How To Select The Right Summer Camp For Your Child

It’s that time of year again when our thoughts turn to summer and how our kids will be spending it. Many busy parents find the best option is sending their kids off to summer camp. Okay, but with so many camps out there how is a parent to know which one is right for their child?

First off it’s important to know what questions you should ask the staff at any camps your child may be interested in attending.

Often the answers the camp staff give you will provide you with a good sense of whether this particular camp will be to your child’s liking.

For starters, what’s the camp’s philosophy? Does the camp focus on something your child is really into like sports, arts & crafts, drama etc.?

Is the camp accredited by some kind of regulatory body?

What about the camp counselors? How are they chosen? What kind of training do they have and is there a screening process in place?

What if there is a problem – can your child call home?

How are medicial emergencies dealt with? Do they have a first aid kit and a nearby hospital? Are the parent’s contacted right away? What kind of insurance does the camp have?

What kind of activities are offered? And how long do they usually last? This is important to note especially if your child has a short attention span.

How much of your child’s day will be spent indoors and how much outdoors? Also, if the weather is exceptionally hot and the kids can’t go swimming are there sun shelters or can childen go indoors?

What type of food will be served? Be sure the staff is informed if your child has any food allergies and inquire as to how this is handled.

Will there be day trips? If so, do the children board a bus or travel in cars driven by counselors?

And one word of advice, ask the camp for references from other satisfied kids and parents.