THERE are endless educational opportunities for children these days.

Trying to navigate through the piles of school and camp brochures and figure out the arduous application process can be a daunting task. Many parents who want an enriching educational experience for their children might not know where to turn, especially in economically uncertain times.

That's where Victoria (Tory) Dodge comes in. As an educational consultant with Schools To Know, a boarding school placement service, Ms Dodge works with parents and children to identify schools and programmes that best fit the needs of each candidate.

Every year for the past five years, Ms Dodge has hosted an International Fair in Bermuda, showcasing summer camps and programmes for children of all ages. This year's takes place on February 19 at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel.

"This is my fifth year for this particular event but I have been hosting events for 15 years," she said.

"My intention by hosting these events is to help Bermudians access schools and programmes that they need. Not every family can afford a consultant such as myself to help them identify and choose the right match for their child. It is my way of giving back to the community."

Mostly based in the US, Canada, UK and Switzerland, the summer camps and programmes featured at the annual fair are geared towards children from age five on up to 18 years of age.

The fair also includes summer school and college preparatory classes, athletic programmes as well as traditional summer camps in Maine, Ontario and Massachusetts. From horseback riding and dance intensives to debate and public speaking camps, these summer programmes offer something for everyone.

"It's a pretty diverse group of offerings," said Ms Dodge.

"I do know that many parents are eager for their children to spend an enriching summer off of the island.

"This event was originally for schools that offered a boarding situation for the younger student (age eight to 15)," she continued.

"In the US they are called junior boarding schools. As time went on I realised that most of them had summer sessions or camps so we added that to our offerings."

For those interested in programmes in the UK, a representative from the Oxford Advanced Studies Programme in Oxford, will be on site to talk about its programme offerings.

"Oxford Advanced Studies Programme offers a summer programme for students about to enter University or who may need to retake a GCSE," said Ms Dodge.

"They also offer a full year of study in preparation for university."

Should parents want more specialised attention, Ms Dodge can help point families in the right direction.

"I work closely with both the parents and the children," she explained.

"I listen to their desires, evaluate what would be the appropriate range of schools and then I guide them through the whole process. For some families it is all done in a few months, for others it can stretch over a few years. It all depends on what stage they begin and what their needs are. I work with traditional students and those that need additional supports."

For more information about the Schools To Know International Fair on Thursday, February 19 at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel from 5 to 7.30 p.m., contact Ms Dodge at 295-2070 ext. 322.