Get a leg up on choosing a summer camp

Though the wind might be howling outside as the specter of snowfall hangs over much of the country, now is actually the best time for parents to start thinking about summer camp. Since most summer camps typically fill their rosters long before the first signs of spring, now is the time for parents to begin their search and find the right fit for their child.

For parents new to the process, finding the right camp can be a difficult process. After all, no parent wants to see their child spend the bulk of their summer at a camp they don’t like. When seeking a summer camp, parents should consider the following.

Staff: The staff will play a crucial role in how much your child enjoys himself over the summer. A qualified staff is adept at making all children feel welcome, and will be experienced in making everyone’s time at camp as enjoyable as possible.
When speaking with camps, ask about staff and how the staff is assembled. What education and training is required of the staff? Does the camp run criminal background checks on its staff? A good staff will be trained in first aid and have some type of background in child counseling or education. Camps that simply hire kids looking for summer jobs should be avoided.

The camp’s goals: Camps can differ greatly with what they hope to offer a child. Camps can focus on religion, sports, music, recreation, or a host of other interests. If you’re looking for a sports camp, ask about affiliations with any local colleges or professional teams. If it’s a musical camp, ask about what your child can expect to learn from staff.

It’s also important to determine the general temperament of a camp. Does the camp foster a laid back or more competitive environment? This can be a big help in choosing the right camp for your child. For example, a child who isn’t very competitive likely will not enjoy a camp where competition is heavily emphasized, whereas a child who is competitive might not get much out of a camp that is more recreational.

The daily schedule: While some camps might be specialized, most parents send their children to recreational camps that they hope offer their kids a well-rounded experience. Ask to see the schedule from a typical day, and ask about how flexible that schedule is. Will kids be able to choose from different activities each day, or is every day regimented? Remember, kids will be spending their summer vacations at camp, and for many kids camp is an opportunity to relax and spend some time doing what they want. Camps that feature strict schedules might not be the best fit.

Referrals: While summer camps aren’t necessarily as popular as they once were, chances are some of your child’s classmates attend camp in the summer. Ask around and seek some advice on summer camps in your area. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to send your child to a summer camp that some of his classmates also attend, which should make it easier for your child to adapt to camp, especially if it’s a first summer away from home.

If you can’t find any personal referrals, ask a camp for a list of references. These references shouldn’t weigh too heavily in your decision, as a camp director is obviously not going to give you names of parents whose children didn’t have a good time. But the parents should be able to provide an accurate portrayal of how the camp conducts itself and how your child might fare should he attend that camp.