Finding the right summer camp for your child is a concern for many parents. The American Camp Association offers the following suggestions:
1. Consider your child: What are your child’s interests, strengths, and weaknesses? Make sure your child is involved in the process of choosing a camp. The more involved children are in the process, the more ownership they feel.
2. Camp director: Find out about the camp director’s background and if he or she is a year-round camp professional or a seasonal employee. Parents also want to make sure they click with the camp director. You must feel comfortable entrusting your child’s care to this person.
3. Cost: Look for camp early. Many camps offer early bird specials for registering early, payment plans, and sibling discounts. Looking early also allows you to plan for camp over time.
4. Safety procedures: Ask about medical personnel on property, emergency plans, staff screening procedures, and instructor qualifications.
5. Sensitivity to camper needs: Parents need to be honest about their child’s special needs and be sure that the camp is able to meet their child’s special requirements.
6. Outside review: Make sure the camp is inspected each summer by the department of health and find out if the program follows an accreditation process. The American Camp Association is a non-profit organization that has the only camp accreditation program in the country. Ask if the program has chosen to participate.
For additional assistance finding the right camp for your child, contact the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey at 212-391-5208 or visit searchforacamp.org.
