---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Pick a Camp
View PDF | Print View
by: LonnieLorenz
Total views: 36
Word Count: 501
Finding a Summer Camp for your child takes some work up front. First decide if your going to a Boys Camps or aGirls Camps. 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 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 camp recruit, screen and train its staff? Do counselors have criminal background checks? First aid training? Drug Testing?
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 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 does a camp Day look like? This will help you decide if your child will be happy with the level of physical activity or the amount of time devoted to arts and crafts. Ask how much freedom a child has to choose 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?
References,References, References Most important, get the names of parents with children the same age who have attended the camp. They will tell you what makes camp so special
Need more ideas to help you make a smart decision? Check out Summer Camp Advice A Summer Camp Directory
About the Author
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the Directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional Outdoors Camp in the Midwest. Boys and Girls ages 6-15 enjoy playing in nature, caring for animals, and learning science along with Traditional camping activities. Learn more at Overnight Summer Camp
Rating: Not yet rated