So you are thinking a bout summer amp for your child. GREAT!
Here are the top 10 questions to ask a summer camp director. This list was compiled by the American Camp Association.
Here are the top 10 questions to ask a summer camp director. This list was compiled by the American Camp Association.
1. What's the camp's philosophy?
Is it one you're comfortable with? Is it a good match for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? If it's a camp run by a religious organization, what religious observances or practices are part of the program? If you're looking at a sports ...
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So you are thinking a bout summer amp for your child. GREAT!
Here are the top 10 questions to ask a summer camp director. This list was compiled by the American Camp Association.
Here are the top 10 questions to ask a summer camp director. This list was compiled by the American Camp Association.
1. What's the camp's philosophy?
Is it one you're comfortable with? Is it a good match for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? If it's a camp run by a religious organization, what religious observances or practices are part of the program? If you're looking at a sports camp that touts an affiliation with a celebrity athlete, how much time--if any--will the sports star actually spend there?
2. How does the camp recruit, screen and train its staff?
Do counselors have criminal background checks? First aid training? Drug Testing?
3. What about return rates?
How many counselors are returning this year? The ACA says at most camps, 50 percent of the staff returns. If the number you're given is lower, ask why. How many campers return? Fifty percent is good, and more is better.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. What does a typical daily schedule 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.
9. 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?
10. Ask for references.
Finally and most important, get the names of parents with children the same age who have attended the camp.
To get even more information on how to create a super summer camp experience click Finding a Summer Camp
To get even more information on how to create a super summer camp experience click Finding a Summer Camp
