Summer of Fun

Choosing the right summer camp can seem daunting, but the rewards of finding the perfect fit are worth it.

BY REGINA VITTI-LYONS

It may seem like only yesterday we were dreaming of a white Christmas, but it won’t be long until we are anticipating a green summer. And as happy as those dreams might be, for many of us, that also means wondering how we are going to keep kids entertained and stimulated for those long, lazy days. For some, the answer is simple – summer camp. But while the answer might be simple, choosing the right summer camp can be a bit more complex.

If summer camp conjures up visions of canoes, swimming holes, hiking, and bad food, you haven’t seen the modern-day camps. Today you can find camps that specialize in practically any activity your child enjoys. From band to soccer, fencing to religion, acting to science – there is sure to be a camp that matches your child’s interests.

While your child may learn in History camp that all people are created equal, all summer camps are not. You wouldn’t choose a school, babysitter, doctor, or daycare center for your child without doing some research. The same goes for a summer camp. After all, camp is all those things combined, plus overnights. Following are some things to keep in mind when choosing a summer camp as well as some resources to help you sift through your many options.

NARROWING THE FIELD
The first question to ask yourself is what kind of camp would be the best fit for your child. If your little Bobby has boundless energy and needs to constantly be moving, maybe a sports camp is better than a science camp. If Sally turns every minor problem into a drama worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy, consider acting camp. Or you might want an even more specialized camp like weight-loss or bereavement. The “Find a Camp” link on the American Camp Association (ACA) website provides an easy way to search for camps that meet your needs.

Next consider the logistics. How far away do you want your child to be and for how long? First-time campers might be better off in a camp closer to home in case they need mom or dad to pick them up in the middle of the night. Would your child be more comfortable in a single gender or co-ed camp? Does your child have special needs and can the camp accommodate those needs? And, often the biggest question, how much am I willing to pay? Camps can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 a week.

ACCREDITATION AND LICENSING
Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to search for a quality camp that meets your criteria. Some states, including New Jersey, require that summer camps be licensed. This means they need to meet certain specific, minimum requirements in order to operate. These requirements can vary widely.

In order to better ensure a high quality camp experience, ask if the camp is accredited. The ACA accredits more than 2,400 camps. To earn ACA accreditation, camps need to meet up to 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality. Some of the things they check for are appropriate staff to camper ratios, developmentally appropriate goals, available emergency transportation, and first-aid facilities and trained staff.

KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE
For an accredited camp, most safety concerns will have been examined by the ACA. But just because a camp is not accredited doesn’t mean it’s not a great place for kids. It could be that it is too small or too new to undergo the expensive and rigorous accreditation process. If you really love a camp that is not accredited, there are many things you need to determine to ensure that you are sending your child someplace safe. Some of them include: counselor to camper ratio; staff training; average counselor age and number of years as a counselor; the training, screening and recruiting process; whether or not the staff has criminal background checks and first-aid training; the availability of medical facilities and staff; and transportation policies and safety.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
A great camp for one child or family might not be the best choice for another. The camp you choose needs to reflect your values and parenting style. Find out the camp’s discipline policy (is it too strict or different than yours), its philosophy (do they foster teamwork, is it competitive, etc.), and the schedule (is it stimulating enough or too stimulating, is it too rigid, etc.). Try to get a feel for what the environment is like and whether or not your child will be comfortable in that environment.

One of the best ways to learn about the camp’s atmosphere is from campers and their parents. Ask for references and find out what the camper return rate is. If a child much like yours, from a family like yours thrived at the camp you are considering, that might be the best endorsement of all.

RESOURCES
The following resources will help you in your summer camp search.
www.acacamps.org
www.summercamp.org
www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/cehsweb/index.html
www.foh.dhhs.gov/public/productfocus/apr2005/summercamp.asp  
www.summercamps.com

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