Find a Summer Camp

Selecting a Summer Camp for your camper takes some work. First think if your going to go to a Boys Camps or aGirls Camps. Each have their own benefit. Maybe a Coed Camp is best for your child. Now work with you child to find a camp that will increase their interests or expose them to new activities. After all that, here are the top 10 questions to ask a summer camp director. This list was compiled by the American Camp Association.

What's the camp's Purpose? Is it Sports? Is it Traditional? Os it Science? Are you comfortable with this ? Is it a good fit for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? Do you want religious observances or practices? Try to understand all parts of the program

How does the Summer Camp get and train its staff? Do counselors have criminal background checks? First aid training? Drug Testing? What's the training all about?

What about return rates? How many counselors are returning this year? How many campers are returning? ask the director why?

What's the ratio of staff to camper? Guidelines for overnight camps are for a 1:6 ratio for ages for younger children, and 1:10 for older teens.

How old are the counselors? The ACA recommends that 80 percent of the staff be 18 or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise.

What about Health Care? Overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site daily, Day camps should be have direct phone access. Be sure you are comfortable that the camp will be able to handle your child's special health care needs.

How does the camp Punish campers? Know what your summer camp's rules and regulations. Be sure they match yur parental thoughts. Know what breaches would send a camper home.

What is a day at camp like? This will help you know if your child will find happiness with the level of activity. Is their choice in selecting activities.

Will the camp be transporting the children? What vehicles are used and how often are they inspected? Who drives them and what training do drivers have?

Ask for references. Finally and most important, get the names of parents with children the same age who have attended the camp.

Still looking for ideas to help you make an informed decision? Check out Summer Camp Advice A Summer Camp Directory

Article by: LonnieLorenz | Total views: 104 | Word Count: 402

About the Author

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the Directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional Outdoors Camp in Wisconsin. Boys and Girls ages 6-15 enjoy playing in nature, caring for animals, and learning science along with Traditional camping activities. Learn more at Childrens Summer Camp