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Savvy Summer Camp Selection

by Lynn Dean

Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to camp I go

I’ll miss my mom

I’ll miss my dad

But I’ll have fun

I won’t be sad

Hi, ho, hi ho, hi ho.....

 

For many children, going away to summer camp is a right of passage. According to the National Camp Association, a non-profit camp advisory service, more than six million children attend camp each summer. But with 10,000 different camps to choose from, how can parents select the best one for their kids?

To help parents with this overwhelming task, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the National Camp Association offer the following advice:

 

Before Your Search Begins

  • Determine what you and your child want to gain from a camp experience. Does she want to learn new skills or make new friends? Does he want to become more self-confident or gain independence? Sit down with your child and talk about these issues.

  • Decide what kind of camp you are looking for. Do you want a sleepover camp or a day camp? Are you looking for a "theme" camp where activities revolve around special interests such as computers, sports, music or academics? Or are you searching for a "general" camp that offers a variety of activities and sporting experiences? Do you want a structured or more laid back atmosphere? Do you care if the camp is co-ed, or are you looking for a girls’ or boys’ camp where the sexes only come together for special events? Do you want a big camp (400 or more campers) or a smaller camp (100 campers)? How far away is too far?

  • Calculate your budget. How much can you afford? The National Camp Association estimates that a four-week private sleep-away experience will cost between $3,500 and $6,500. Eight weeks will run you $4,000 to $7,000. Then there are the extras: spending money, uniforms, special outings, and transportation. In the budgeting process, don’t forget to consider what it would cost you if your child stayed home instead. How much would you spend on daycare? Outside activities? Sports?

    •  

    Identifying Possibilities

    Look for a camp that matches your child’s interests. Make sure the camp offers a variety of activities to keep your child entertained and occupied. If you are looking for a "sleep-away" camp, the National Camp Association’s free advisory service (1-800-966-CAMP or www.summercamp.org) can help you find one that meets your needs. "Sometimes it is better to choose a camp that is further away, rather than the wrong camp that is nearby," says Jeff Solomon, Executive Director of the National Camp Association. If you are looking for a day camp experience, the BBB recommends that you call your local YMCA, community college, university, or recreational department.

     

    Do the research. Ask teachers and other parents for references. Check the camp’s reputation with your local BBB, or the BBB’s online reports (www.bbb.org). Ask the camp for references, then talk to parents of former campers. Ask the camp director what percentage of the campers return the next year.

     

    Safety and Other Concerns

    Don’t overlook safety. Ask about the availability of medical personnel in case of an emergency. How far is the nearest hospital? Ask about staffing. Who are the camp counselors? According to the BBB, look for camps staffed by college graduates and former campers. What is the staff to camper ratio? What kind of training does the camp offer its counselors? Do trained lifeguards supervise swimming activities?

     

    Ask about the camp’s philosophy or mission statement. How do the counselors view competition, and what is the level of competitiveness? If your child is a below-average athlete, ask how he will fit in. How does the camp nurture each individual child? If it is a large camp, ask how they make sure campers’ needs don’t fall through the cracks or get lost in the shuffle.

     

    Inquire about the available facilities. Is there a lake or pool for swimming and water sports? How about tennis courts? What about the mess hall? How is the food? Where are the sleeping quarters located? How many kids share a room? How far away are the showers and toilets?

     

    Try to piece together a picture of a typical day at camp. What is the daily schedule? How many activities are planned for each day? Do campers have choices or alternatives? Is there unstructured time or is every minute accounted for? What happens during times of inclement weather?

     

    Ask about specifics. Can your child receive care packages from home? What about cookies or candy bars? Are campers encouraged to write? Is e-mail available? What happens if your child doesn’t like it there? Can a portion of the fee be refunded?

     

    If you take all of these issues into account, you may find that the right camp will pick itself. If you have two or three good possibilities, re-interview the parents you talked to at the beginning of your quest. Ask questions that may have come up after staff interviews. Then start packing!

     

    Lynn Dean is a Colorado-based writer and mother of three.