Kids Summer Camp
Starters Tips for Choosing a Quality Camp
Choosing a kids summer camp can be a bit daunting with so many options now available. For parents who are new to 'camp life' and in need of some help we have compiled our starters tips with what we consider to be the 6 key considerations before you start your search for the perfect kids summer camp for your child.
1. Age and Interests
Day Camp, Overnight Camp or a Residential Camp
This choice is largely directed by your child's age and their level of maturity. Be sure to involve your child in this decision, they are the best one to guide you on their level of comfort with each of the options. If they have not slept over at a friend's house then a couple of dry runs are suggested before sending them off to camp. Day Camps are more suited to younger kids aged 4-7. Around 8 or 9 is when overnight camps become more suitable for many and
Residential Camps can take teenagers for weeks at a time. More on Kids Summer Camps based on interest and program...
2. Location and Size
If your child is attending a day camp or overnight camp then close proximity to your home will definitely be a consideration. If your child will be at summer camp for several weeks then distance may be less of an issue.
Regarding size- bigger camps are not necessarily better or worse- but take the time to ensure that your child will be getting a rewarding camp experience and not getting lost in the crowd.  **TIP- When selecting a kids summer camp don't forget to include the cost of travel between your home and the camp location on top of the cost of the camp itself!
3. Accreditation and Staffing
The American Camping Association (ACA) is the largest body which accredits summer camps based on their health and safety, staff and program quality. Not all camps are accredited by the ACA but each camp should be able to give you information on how their program is evaluated and improved each year.
Staffing is an all important consideration for parents for many reasons. Questions to consider include..What is the average age of the staff? Are staff screened in any way? How much training do they receive? What is the ratio between staff and campers? If you are concerned with any camp's philosophy regarding staffing, then try somewhere else. 4. Recommendation and Referral
Another way to find a kids summer camp is to speak with the parents of your child's friends. If they have had a positive experience with a camp previously, then the likelihood is that their child will be returning to the same camp which might open up the possibility of two (or more) friends attending together. For an introverted or nervous child, having friends will help to remove the isolation that some kids experience when attending summer camp for the first time.
When contacting camps they can often supply a list of families that have offerred act as a reference for the camp. They can help to give you a feel for the camp and its best attributes and qualities.
5. Your Budget
Choosing a particular camp in the end may come down to your budget and whether your preferred camp is affordable for you. Keep in mind that just because a camp is more expensive does not mean it necessarily runs a better program. Certain camps are supplemented and thus are able to keep their fees lower. Go with a program that is in keeping with your child's interests and within your budget. There are concessions or discounts sometimes made available for low income families.
 **TIP- When comparing prices, look for camps that are all inclusive- many require extra money for day excursions, food items and other sundries which makes them work out to be more expensive than other packages.
6. Ask Questions
Now that you (hopefully!) have a shortlist of kids summer camps take the time to vist their websites, request printed brochures and videos and sit down with your child to make a decision together. Feel free to call or visit camps that you are particularly interested in to find out more about staff training, emergency procedures, group sizes and any other areas of concern to you before making a final decision. The more questions you ask now, the more comfortable you will feel with your final decision knowing that your child is going to be well looked after and have a positive camp experience. More information on choosing the right Summer Camp Program for your child..
 Back to Home from Choosing Kids Summer Camp
|
