|

Picking the Right Camp

by FamilyEducation Staff

According to the American Camping Association (ACA), more than eight million children attend camp each summer. Picking the right camp can be a daunting task. In addition to looking at the quality and variety of daily programs and activities offered by a camp, the ACA suggests parents consider the following while evaluating camps:

  • What safety and medical accommodations are at the camp?

  • Is the ratio of counselors to campers appropriate for the child's age? Younger children require a higher ratio of counselors than older kids.

  • What percentage of counselors returned from last year? Look for 40 to 60 percent returning staff.

  • If you're choosing a sleep-over camp, what are the sleeping quarters, showers and bathroom facilities like at the camp? Check where they are located in relation to one another and ask about their night security procedures.

  • If daily meals or snacks are provided, ask who selects the menus (it should be a certified nutritionist or dietitian) and how meals are prepared and served. Food storage, preparation and dining areas should meet state health and food service codes. Ask to see sample menus and dining schedules.

  • How does the camp handle homesickness, adjustment issues, and behavioral problems?

  • Make sure the camp's philosophy complements your parenting philosophy and your child's personality.

  • What is the camp director's education and career background? Look for a degree and camp administration experience.

  • If a child has special needs, can the camp accommodate them? Ask the camp director about facilities and remember to explain all special requirements thoroughly.

  • If possible, ask to visit the camp before enrolling a child in a program.

  • Contact the parents of campers who attended in the past to get their impressions.

  • Compare camps and fees. ACA says fees range from $20 to $120 per day. Many camps offer scholarships.

    ACA accredits summer camps that meet nearly 300 health, safety, and program-quality standards. For more information, check out the ACA website or call (800) 428-CAMP.

    From "Frontlines," March 1999, Our Children, the official magazine of the National PTA.

    To Summer Camp Guide

    |

    • you might also like:

    from our community:


    what’s hot

    1. Top 10 End-of-the-Year Gifts for Teachers
    2. Great Gift Ideas for Dad's First Father's Day
    3. Father's Day Crafts Kids Can Make
    4. VIEW ALL

    stay connected

    Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

    Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

    Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

    editor’s picks

    highlights

    10 Ways to Deal with Temper Tantrums
    Temper tantrums are an inevitable part of being parent. Read on for 10 sanity-saving tantrum tips to help calm your child when he's in the throes of emotional turmoil.

    8 Printable Thank-You Cards for Your Child's Teacher
    Teaching is no walk in the park! Print any of these free printable thank-you cards for teachers to salute your favorite educators for all the hard work this school year.

    Explore Funbrain Jr. with Your Preschooler
    Looking for fun online games, adorable stories, and cool printables for preschoolers and kindergartners? Check out the new Funbrain Jr., a fun place to learn for children ages 2 to 6.

    Award-Winning Apps for Kids of All Ages
    Looking for high quality apps for your toddler, preschooler, or school-age child? These 16 award-winning educational apps help kids of all ages learn a thing or two during tech time.

    Summer Learning: 11 Everyday Ways to Learn Math
    Summertime is a great time to teach your child how math plays a part in his everyday life. These 11 everyday ways to learn math are fun and educational, and will help him see how this subject plays into real life.