Selecting the right kids summer camp can seem like an impossible task with so many options and alternatives now available.
For parents new to ‘camp life’ who need help, we’ve put together our top 6 tips for parents to select the summer camp that is best for their children.
Currently, there are nearly 9,000 summer camps for children operating in the US and Canada and more internationally, offering a wide variety of options in terms of length of stay, program, and location. If you have a child with special needs, be it health, physical or intellectual, there are still a wide variety of options open to you. Basically, any pirsuit, activity or effort that your child may have, will be covered by one of the summer camp programs for children available.
1. Type of camp
There is a choice between a day camp, a night camp, and a residential camp. Let your child participate in this decision, as he will be the best person to indicate what style of camping he is comfortable with.
2. Location and size
Once you have determined which style of camping is right for your child at the moment, you must decide how far you are willing to travel. Day campers need to be picked up at the end of each day, and an overnight stay is just that. Residential camps, on the other hand, can entertain your kids for q weeks at a time, so distance can be less of an issue.
3. Accreditation and staff
The bodies that accredit summer camps are varied, being the ACA (American Camping Association) the most important and recognized. A large percentage of camps are not accredited, but this does not for a moment mean that they are not large camps. If the camps are not on the ACA list, then you will need to ask each individual camp how they maintain and improve their program each year.
Staffing is tied to accreditation in how a camp selects, trains, and pays its staff. Make sure you are satisfied with the procedures your chosen camp follows for staffing, if you have concerns, ask management or go elsewhere.
4. Recommendation or referral
Use the recommendations of parents you know whose children have visited a certain camp before. They can give an honest assessment of the camp program. Alternatively, ask for references from your short list of camps to give you more information on the qualities of the camp and any shortcomings.
5. Your budget
The choice of a particular camp in the end can depend on the prices and if it fits your budget. Just because a camp is more expensive does not necessarily mean that it has a better program. Certain camps complement each other and therefore can keep their rates lower. Concessions or discounts are sometimes offered for low-income families.
6. Ask questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Review the camp websites, brochures, and DVDs and schedule a camp visit to really get acquainted with it. If you have any last areas of concern, ask a staff member / coordinator in person when you visit.
For the full version of this article with a special feature about summer camp programs, go to Summer Camps for Kids.