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Finding the Right Summer Camp: It's All in the
Questions
by Brenda Nixon
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 Does your child want to go to camp? There are
so many-day camps, overnight sports camps, church and community camps,
instructional ones like space camp-it's hard to make a choice. Some camps last
three days, while some go for weeks. How do you know which is best for your
child and for your budget?
Since your impressionable child may spend
anywhere from one day to a week of over-nights with unfamiliar adults, check
out a camp as rigorously as you would your childcare facility.
Most
programs furnish brochures or informational packets that answer frequently
asked questions. But, if a camp doesn't, or if you get scanty information, ask
plenty of questions.
Questions to Ask
» What are
the campers' age requirements? As a parent, I want my child with others her
same age. I don't want my 12-year-old daughter at the same camp with
16-year-old boys. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
panic.
» Who will be your child's counselor/instructor and
what are his or her job qualifications? Obviously, you want this person to have
some skills or prior training in working at the camp.
»
Does the staff have experience in working with children in your child's age
group? When my younger daughter goes to her weeklong, out-of-state church camp,
I find it reassuring to know that her counselor is a caring adult experienced
in working with children.
» What are the transportation
arrangements for getting your child to and from camp? Will there be field trips
away from the camp? Will those trips involve a van or bus?
»
What's the cost and does the price include spending money? If cost is
prohibitive, ask if the camp offers scholarships and find out the deadline for
scholarship applications.
» What's the safety plan for
threatening weather?
» Is there an on-site clinic staffed
with a nurse or physician? At the very least, are medical kits
available?
» Where are the eating/sleeping/bathing
facilities?
» How many children sleep in a
room/cabin?
» What is the adult/camper ratio? Supervision
is a must at any camp.
» What are the camp's discipline
policy and expulsion criteria? Even though we don't like to admit it, there
will be kids who "push the envelope." Find out the camp rules beforehand and
review them with your child.
» Who is the emergency contact
and what is his or her phone number? You never know when you'll have a
situation demanding immediate contact with your child. Know who and how to call
the camp.
Gather Opinions
Now is a good time to talk with your
child's classroom teacher. Teachers give valuable insight into how well your
child adapts to away-from-home experiences. Teachers also offer feedback on how
your child responds to authority.
Visit with other parents to discover if
they can offer positive or negative reports about the camp you're considering.
Perhaps they sent their child in the past. Ask what the parents, and their
child, thought of the camp. Get the lowdown on how to prepare for the camp's
amenities-or lack thereof.
Most importantly, ask your child how he or
she feels about going to camp. Make sure it is his or her desire-not yours. Be
sensitive to your child. Maybe your scholarly, quiet son would feel intimidated
at a sports camp. Your athletic daughter might "die" of boredom in an arts and
crafts camp. With a little sleuthing, you can find a camp that's the right
match for your child's interest and abilities.
Preparing to
Go
When you settle on a camp and begin the application process, include
detailed medical information. If your child requires a special diet make sure
to alert the staff. Particulars on allergies to food, insects, and plants can
prevent a deadly situation. Most camps require a notarized release to
administer emergency care. If the camp you select doesn't require the release,
contact the nearest hospital and request their form. Fill it out and ask the
camp keep it on file. Should your child need care, precious time isn't wasted
while the hospital seeks permission to treat your child.
Up-to-date
immunizations are important, even for a one-day camp. Check the status of your
child's tetnus (Td) shot-boosters are recommended every 10 years. The Oklahoma
City County Health Department, 425-4450, offers cost-reduced immunizations on a
walk-in basis.
Doing parental legwork can help you feel you're getting
your money's worth. And it will insure your child enjoys this annual
experience. If you've done your part, your child will come home with a mountain
of memories-not just dirty laundry.
More information on summer camps is
available from the American Camping Association (ACA), 800-428-2267 or
www.acacamps.org. Since 1910 the ACA has accredited camps that meet strict
health, safety, and program quality standards. To date there are over 2,300 ACA
accredited camps nationwide.
| More information on summer camps is available
from the American Camping Association (ACA), 800-428-2267 or www.acacamps.org.
Since 1910 the ACA has accredited camps that meet strict health, safety, and
program quality standards. To date there are over 2,300 ACA accredited camps
nationwide. |
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© Brenda Nixon
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