You’ve made the exciting decision to send your child to camp for a summer filled with swimming, sports, and arts & crafts, all while gaining important life skills such as independence and confidence. There are many camps to choose from so parents should do their research. The American Camp Association (ACA), New York and New Jersey recommends asking these 10 questions to help families better understand what a particular summer camp is all about.
1. What is your camp’s mission and philosophy?
Can the director easily explain the camp’s mission statement? Each camp is unique, and provides distinct programming and approaches. Ask the director about the type of child that is a successful participant in their program.
2. What is your camp’s program?
Are you looking for a traditional well-rounded experience or a specialty program? Think about what activities are must-haves for your child. How long is each activity? How many electives do the children get and what kind of help do they receive in choosing them? Inquire about the length of each activity.
3. What type of training and education does the director have?
The American Camp Association recommends directors possess a bachelor’s degree, have completed in-service training within the past three years, and have at least 16 weeks of camp administrative experience before assuming the responsibilities of director.
4. What are the enrollment options?
What is the length of the program offered? Is there flexibility? What is the length of the day? Is transportation available?
5. What is the staff composition?
Ask who is caring for your child. Ask about the age of the staff, their experience, pre-season and on-going staff trainings, background checks, the interview process, camper-to-staff ratios, supervision in cabins and for various activities. At a minimum, camp staff should be trained in safety regulations, emergency procedures and communication, behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate staff and camper behavior, and specific procedures for supervision.
6. What percentage of campers return each year?
While every camp is clearly not right for every child, a large number of returning campers usually indicates a high level of satisfaction with the camp’s programming and operation.
7. What are the safety procedures?
Ask about the safety measures that are in place. These can include inquiring about medical personnel on property, emergency plans, staff screening procedures and instructor qualifications.
8. Is the camp accredited?
Find out if the program follows a nationally known accreditation process and if the camp is inspected each summer by the Department of Health. The ACA is the only national organization that establishes uniform standards for reviewing camps. Ask if the program has chosen
to participate.
9. Is the camp sensitive to camper needs?
If your child has special requirements, such as food allergies, religious obligations, ADD, or other specific needs ask how the camp handles a special consideration.
10. Can the camp give you references?
Parents shouldn’t be afraid to ask for references. This is generally one of the best ways to check a camp’s reputation and service record. Ask other parents about their children’s experience at the camp and whether their child is returning.
Jess Michaels is director of communications for the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. acanynj.org.
NEED ASSISTANCE IN FINDING A CAMP?
Contact the American Camp Association, NY, and NJ’s camper placement specialist Renee Flax at 212-391-5208 or [email protected] for free, one-on-one advice in finding the right camp for your child. You may also visit searchforacamp.org for information on accredited camps.
