On The Hunt For A Great Summer Camp

 

TRY OUR TOP TIPS AND FIND THE BEST CAMP FOR YOUR CHILD

 

By Kathy Sena



Before you know it, it'll be time to pack the sunscreen, swimsuits and bug spray for summer camp. Last summer, an estimated 10 million U.S. kids went to summer camp, according to the American Camp Association (ACA). But how do you pick the right experience for your child? What about accreditation and safety issues? With so many camps to choose from, where do you start?

Our experts suggest that you ask the following questions:


What activities does my child enjoy?
Summer camp can be a great opportunity to focus on what your child likes and to strengthen her skills in those areas. Soccer, art, the outdoors, dance, computers… “There's a camp for just about every interest,” says Matt Clapp, founder and director of Rockin' C Ranch, a summer camp on a working ranch in Lindale, Texas. “Take the opportunity to broaden your child's horizons and to help her develop a more wellrounded life,” he adds.

"Sometimes, peer pressure can exist during the year at a child's school and summer camp can give a kid the opportunity to explore new things and test their interest in a new activity more freely," says Michele Rowcliffe, Executive Director of YMCA’s Camp Cory.

Your child may already have favorite activities, but there are many benefits to choosing an all-encompassing camp. "The younger the child, the more beneficial a traditional summer camp experience," suggests John Golden, Director of Camp Seneca Lake, JCC of Greater Rochester. "This will introduce your child to many areas…the arts, drama, athletics, water sports, hiking and more. Most children develop stronger and more specific interests as they grow older. These children would benefit from more specialized programs tailored to their interests."

Don't worry if your child has never played soccer or gone canoeing, summer camp can offer them the opportunity to try out new things in a friendly and non-competitive atmosphere. Daniel N. Irving, JCC Director of Children's Services and Camp Sisol adds, "The beauty of a classic summer camp is being able to balance following one's interests and having a variety of new activities and experiences, too."

What are my – and my child's – expectations?
Decide what's important to you before searching for a camp, suggests Michael Knauf, head of the Visual Arts department at French Woods, a performing-arts camp in Hancock, New York. What's your budget? How far away are you willing to send your child? What environment do you prefer (traditional vs specialty programs, rustic vs luxury, large vs small, religious affiliation, age focus, etc.) "Decide these things up front and you can greatly reduce the number of camps to look at," he says.

What summer-camp environment is right for my child with special needs?
Up to 15 percent of summer camps in the U.S. are now dedicated to meeting the special needs of campers with physical, emotional or mental challenges, according to the ACA. Contact the ACA at 765-342-8456 to learn more and for list of special needs camps.


 Is the camp accredited by the American Camp Association?
The ACA (an independent organization and not a referral service) has accredited more than 2,400 camps across the U. S. These camps must meet up to 300 standards for health, safety and program quality. To find an ACA-accredited camp, visit www.acacamps.org or call (765) 342-8456.

Does the camp communicate well with parents?
Pay attention to pre-camp contacts, suggests Silvana Clark, a former camp director and a professional speaker on parenting topics. "The brochures may look great, but what kind of service do you get when contacting the camp? If no one returns your calls or e-mails, or if the camp staff keeps saying 'I don't know about that,' find another camp."

Are staffing ratios important?
"Staffing ratios are very important, both for safety reasons and to ensure that your child gets the most out of the camping experience," says Rowcliffe. The ratio of staff-tocampers can tell you how much individual attention your child will receive at camp. Ask what the normal group size is, and how many staff members supervise that group. The ACA requires 1 staff member for every 8 campers (ages 8 and above) at any activity. "At overnight camps, staff should be living with the children they supervise, not in a closed off room," says Golden. "Be sure the staff members are mature enough to handle issues that may arise at any age group." Finally, find out if staff ratios improve during activities such as horseback riding, rock climbing, biking, etc.

What about safety and security issues?
"Make sure the camp you're considering does background checks on all staff members," suggests Emily Hadfield, camp-programs coordinator for Westminster College's summer- camp program in Salt Lake City, Utah. "And don't be afraid to ask questions about safety, security or healthcare." For camps that offer activities such as swimming, boating or diving, make sure all instructors are CPR-certified and that a lifeguard is on duty at all times, suggests Britt Michaelian, author of Secrets of the Safety Goddess: A Modern Safety Guide for Busy Parents (2008; Outskirts Press).


 How are camp counselors trained?
Most high-quality camps have a 3-to-5-day training program to give staff the skills they will need to help create a successful experience for your child, says Betsy Strohmaier, Director of Mountain Day Camp in Boulder, Colorado. Staff members should be trained in more than the technical skills of running a program, she adds. They should learn the camp's philosophy and practice listening to children and managing a group appropriately. Specialized adventure counselors should take the lead in supervising safety, equipment and instruction for the more technical activities. It's important that these staff have advanced training in their specialty.

What if my child doesn't know anyone at camp?
"Camp is a wonderful environment in which to meet new friends and in which to form incredibly strong friendships," suggests Golden."It is the perfect time to get to know new kids and since the kids are grouped by age, meeting new friends should feel comfortable and easy through the planned camp activities," adds Rowcliffe. "Counselors are always trained to deal with this situation and they should make your child feel safe and welcome."

How can my child participate in selecting a camp?
Engage your child in the search, suggests Michaelian. "Gather multiple brochures for different types of camps and read through them with your child, writing down the pros and cons of each camp, so you can make an educated choice together."

By the way, Mom and Dad, don't forget to have a great time yourselves, says Ben Cober of Cincinnati, Ohio, who grew up as a summer camper and then worked for five years at various camps. (Yep, he's seen his share of frazzled parents on drop-off and pick-up days…) "Let loose," he says. "Go to Cancun!" (Author's note: OK, in this economy, maybe head to the movies and splurge on the large popcorn.) "Re-live your honeymooning days," says Cober. "The rascals are out: Celebrate!"

 

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