Questions to Ask Before Summer Camp

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by Jane Wiechel

The camp selection process can be overwhelming when you realize the many options available. The below list will help you determine which type of camp best aligns you’re your child’s unique needs and interests. The following questions will help you make a camp decision with confidence and peace of mind. 

Questions to discuss with your family include:

  • What kind of activities does your child enjoy?
  • Does your child have a particular passion he/she/they want to explore in more depth?
    Can they spend hours thinking, talking about, and experiencing that passion?
  • Can your child effectively transition from one task to another without getting upset?
  • What do you want your child to gain from their camp experience?
    Does your child want a competitive, rigorous experience or a more laid-back general camp?
  • Can your child swim independently?
    The answer may determine how comfortable you are with sending your child to a camp with water play.
  • Have you asked friends, family, and organizations about camps?
    Many community centers and sports facilities offer summer sessions that may need to be advertised or advertised better. Ask them, friends, and family about camps that need to be added to your radar. The Education Support Hub, educationsupporthub.com, is a one-stop-shop for camps in the region and provides links to more information and registration.
  • What is your budget? If you need assistance, have you explored whether financial support is available?

Questions to ask the camp (or find answers through research):

  • Is the camp accredited? 

Indiana does not license or inspect most day camps for health and safety. The American Camp Association (ACA) conducts on-site visits and reviews programs, facilities, and hiring and safety policies. Only the most professionally run camps qualify. If a camp lacks the ACA nod, it may still be a high-quality program, but you may want to ask more questions. Want references? What about references? Directors should happily provide references, accreditation, and review documents to demonstrate their track record.

  • What is the camper-to-staff ratio?
    The state does not require day camps to have specific camper-to-counselor staffing ratios, so you may want to ask. ACA standards require different ratios for varying ages and special needs. Generally, the ratios at resident camps range from One staff member for every five campers ages 4 and 5; one staff member for every six campers ages 6 to 8; one staff member for every eight campers ages 9 to 14; and one staff member for every ten campers ages 15 to 17. At day camps, the ratios range from one staff member for every six campers ages 4 and 5, eight campers ages 6 to 8, one staff member for every ten campers ages 9 to 14, and one staff member for every 12 campers ages 15 to 17.
  • What are the ages of the counselors?
    ACA standards recommend that 80 percent or more of the counseling/program staff be at least 18 years old. Staff must be at least 16 years old and two years older than the campers they work with. In special needs camps, 100 percent of the counseling/program staff must be at least 18 years old.
  • What are desired qualities of camp staff?
    The same qualities of trustworthiness and dependability sought by any employer are valued commodities in camp employees. Also, the ability to adapt to various situations, empathy for and ability to work with camp clientele, a strong self-image, and an outgoing personality are important for camp staff.
  • What percentage of the counselors returned from last year?
    Most camps have from 40-60 percent returning staff. If the rate is lower, find out why. There may be a good reason camp staff doesn’t want to or cannot return each year, but a high turnover may indicate a less-than-stellar camp culture.
  • How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled?
    This is where the director’s philosophy comes through loud and clear. Positive reinforcement, assertive role modeling, and a sense of fair play are key components of camp counseling and leadership.
     

 

Rules are necessary for any organization, and the disciplinary approach should be reasonable and well-communicated. If penalties are involved for violations, they should be applied quickly, fairly, calmly, and without undue criticism to campers.

  • What is a typical day like for campers?
  • What are the safety and medical requirements?
  • If my child expresses homesickness, what is the policy for contacting parents and the process for helping children overcome those feelings?
  • Will I be able to contact or visit my child during the camp? If so, what are those options?
  • Is financial assistance available? If so, how much, and what is the application process?
  • If my child has dietary needs, will the camp accommodate restrictions, or will I need to provide food for my child?
  • If there is water play, through which organization are the lifeguards certified, and what is the ratio of children swimming vs. lifeguards on duty?
  • If my child needs medical or emotional support, who do I contact about those accommodations?
  • What is the camp’s philosophy or focus? Think about what is important to you. Some camps prioritize diversity and cooperation, while other camps are more exclusive (i.e., religious focus) or competitive and rigorous (i.e., athletic or performance-based camps).
  • How long has the camp operated? New camps emerge each year, and they are great! But some experts (and families) search for longstanding camps that have built a reputation for excellence over years or decades.

 


 

What are the camp’s philosophy and program emphasis?
Each camp has its method of constructing programs based on its philosophy. Does it complement your parenting philosophy? Many camps promote competition and healthy rivalry among camp teams, as reflected in team sports.

For many campers, this is pure fun. Some parents feel that learning to be competitive early teaches essential survival skills. However, other parents and educators are in favor of cooperative learning. Knowing your child’s personality and learning style is valuable in selecting the right camp.

What is the camp director’s background?
ACA minimum standards recommend that directors possess a bachelor’s degree, complete in-service training within the past three years, and have at least 16 weeks of camp administrative experience before assuming director responsibilities.

What training do counselors receive?
At a minimum, camp staff should be trained in safety regulations, emergency procedures and communication, behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate staff and camper behavior, and specific procedures for supervision.

What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?
ACA standards require different ratios for varying ages and special needs. Generally, the ratios at resident camps range from One staff member for every five campers ages 4 and 5; one staff member for every six campers ages 6 to 8; one staff member for every eight campers ages 9 to 14; and one staff member for every ten campers ages 15 to 17. At day camps, the ratios range from one staff member for every six campers ages 4 and 5, eight campers ages 6 to 8, one staff member for every ten campers ages 9 to 14, and one staff member for every 12 campers ages 15 to 17.

What are the ages of the counselors?
ACA standards recommend that 80 percent or more of the counseling/program staff be at least 18 years old. Staff must be at least 16 years old and two years older than the campers they work with. In special needs camps, 100 percent of the counseling/program staff must be at least 18 years old.

What are desired qualities of camp staff?
The same qualities of trustworthiness and dependability sought by any employer are valued commodities in camp employees. Also, the ability to adapt to various situations, empathy for and ability to work with camp clientele, a strong self-image, and an outgoing personality are important for camp staff.

What percentage of the counselors returned from last year?
Most camps have from 40-60 percent returning staff. If the rate is lower, find out why.

How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled?
This is where the director’s philosophy comes through loud and clear. Positive reinforcement, assertive role modeling, and a sense of fair play are key components of camp counseling and leadership.

Rules are necessary for any organization, and the disciplinary approach should be reasonable and well-communicated. If penalties are involved for violations, they should be applied quickly, fairly, calmly, and without undue criticism to campers.

How does the camp handle special needs?
If your child has unique requirements, ask the camp director about the needed provisions and facilities. Is there a nurse on staff? Do they have a designated place to store insulin or allergy medicine? Are special foods available for campers with restricted diets? Each question and each answer is important.

How does the camp handle homesickness and other adjustment issues?
Again, the camp’s philosophy on helping children adjust is important. Be sure you are comfortable with the camp’s parent/child contact guidelines.

What about references?
This is generally one of the best ways to check a camp’s reputation and service record. Directors should be happy to provide references.

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