February 15, 2010

Hnts in Picking a Summer Camp

Finding a Summer Camp for your child takes some work up front. First decide if your going to a Coed Summer Camp or a sigle gender camp, like a all girls.
Each have their own benefit. Maybe a Coed Camp is best for your child. Next, help your child to find a camp that will increase their interests or expose them to new activities. After you have 3 or 4, 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 philosophy? Is it one you\’re comfortable with? Is it a good match for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? If it\’s a camp run by a religious organization, what religious observances or practices are part of the program? If you\’re looking at a sports camp that touts an affiliation with a celebrity athlete, how much time–if any–will the sports star actually spend there?

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? The ACA says at most camps, 50 percent of the staff returns. If the number you\’re given is lower, ask why. How many campers return? Fifty percent is good, and more is better.

What\’s the ratio of counselors to campers? ACA guidelines for overnight camps call for a 1:6 ratio for ages 7 and 8, 1:8 for ages 9-14; and 1:10 for ages 15-18. Day camp guidelines call for 1:8 for children ages 6-8; 1:10 for children ages 9-14; and 1:12 for ages 15-18.

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 medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby? The ACA recommends that an overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access. If your child takes medication, has food allergies or a chronic medical condition, be sure you are comfortable that the camp will be able to handle your child\’s needs.

How does the camp handle conflicts and Discipline? Find out what the camp\’s rules are and what breaches would result in a camper being sent home. You should be comfortable that the camp\’s practices are in line with your parenting practices.

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.

Need more ideas to help you make a smart decision? Check out Summer Camp Advice A Summer Camp Refeence

Want to find out more about Childrens Summer Camp, then visit Swift Nature Camp a perfect Homeschool Summer Camp filled with Traditional camping activities and learning science. Boys and Girls ages 6-15.

Filed under Travel by Lonnie Lorenz

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