Picking A Summer Camp

Now's the time for sign-ups, so here are some tips for choosing summer day camps from a great article I read in e -family news:

Application process:

Does the camp have flexible schedules?
What are the hours of operation?
What are the camp's opening and closing dates?
What is the deadline for submitting applications?

Tuition and Fees:

What is the tuition and is there also a registration fee?
What is included in the tuition: transportation, meals, insurance, special trips, entrance fees, health services, use of equipment?
Ask the camp director to itemize any services for which an additional fee is required.
Is there also a membership fee?
Must the parent join the sponsoring organization in order for the child to participate?
How and when is tuition paid? By week, month, session?
Are scholarships available?

Children:

Are there methods for keeping track of each child and making sure every camper receives attention?
How will my child be grouped?
What activities does the camp offer in my child's age group?
What is the daily routine?
Are there enough activities to keep children involved, but also opportunities for quiet, down times?
Do children get to choose activities?
What takes place outdoors?
What takes place indoors?
Are there field trips, enrichment activities, or sports included?

Parent Involvement:

Are parents welcome at the camp anytime?
Are there opportunitits for parents to participate?
How does the camp receive parents' opinions, ideas, suggestions, and concerns?
Are there some parents I can call for references?

Staff:

How are camp counselors and other staff members hired?
What are their qualifications and experiences?
What background checks to they undergo?
What are the counselors' duties?
Are counselors hired for short periods or for the entire summer?
What is the ratio between staff and campers?
Is the staff knowledgeable, professional, enthusiastic, and caring?

Communication:

How can I receive information about what my child is doing?
What are the specific rules the kids must follow, and what are the consequences for not following those rules?
How am I informed if a child breaks the rules?

Environment:

Is the facility and outdoor environment safe and clean?
Is the environment inviting, exciting, and fun, but also warm and nurturing?
Are there adequate supplies and equipment?

Meals:

Are lunches provided by the camp? Ask for a sample menu in advance.
Are snacks provided during the day? What kind?
Are special meals available?

References:

Ask for references.

For more information and advice on choosing camps, visit:The American Camping AssociationThe National Camp Association