Choosing a Kid's Camp
3 Basic Considerations:
Know the Staff
Know the Rules
Know the Cost
Parents: Help your Child(ren) prepare for a Good Camp Experience:
- Involve your child in the process of selecting the camp program.
- Encourage your child's independence throughout the year.
- Review camp brochures, videos, website together so your child is familiar with the program.
- Visit the camp if possible.
- Meet with the camp director or key staff.
- Discuss what camp will be like before your child leaves.
- Be positive!
What about Packing?
- Involve your child in the packing of the trunk so he is familiar with the things you are sending to camp.
- Label everything! Accept that clothing will be lost or ruined, so you don't want to send expensive clothing.
- Many camps offer packing lists and parents should stick to the items suggested. Don't send favorite toys, books, or stuffed animals, as you don't want to risk losing them.
Latest Trends in Summer Camps
- Specialty camps
- Special needs camps
- Shorter sessions so the child has a number of camp experiences over the summer
- Family camps
- How to find a great camp job and start building your resume. Be sure to visit CampJobs.com, the online source for summer camp job opportunities.
Characteristics of Properly Trained and Equipped Staff
Each camp has their own criteria for hiring, but among the qualifications a counselor should have include the following:
- Ability to work well with children
- Patience, creativity, reliability, enthusiasm, honesty
- Willingness to be a positive role model
- High energy
- Leadership abilities
- Belief you can make a difference in the life of a child
- Compassion
- Strong code of ethics
What is included in the Camp Cost?
each camp has its own policies as to what is included in camp tuition and whether items such as canteen, trips, photos, additional instructions, transportation are included or not.
Special Needs Children and Camps:
Parents of special needs children will want to consider the following when selecting a camp:
- Does the camp have a doctor on staff?
- What kind of training do the director and staff have working with children who have similar issues?
- How is the staff hired?
- Are they background checked?
- What is the ratio of counselors to campers?
- What emergency arrangements have been made with nearby hospitals?
- How is communication with the parent during the summer handled?
- How is medication, treatments, therapies handled?
