You’ve gone online, asked everyone you know for recommendations, and otherwise searched for sleepaway camps for your kids. How do you find the one that’s just right for them? When you’ve narrowed down the options to a handful or less, it’s time to speak to the camp directors by phone or email. Below is a list of some of the most important questions to ask.
The camp
Is the camp accredited, how old is it, and how long have you owned or managed it? In Alberta, it’s a good sign if the camp is accredited by the Alberta Camping Association (ACA). The Alberta Camping Association develops and maintains standards for organized camping in Alberta. It is through the Standards and Accreditation program that they help people identify safe, healthy, well-run camps.
The ACA Standards Manual covers all aspects of camp operations ranging from sound financial practices to ensuring safety in various program activities to recommended environmental standards. The manual is continually revised and updated to meet the dynamic camping environment.
What’s your philosophy? Camps can be very different. Some camps, especially ones focused on specific sports, can be quite competitive. Other camps are more aimed at instilling in kids certain values, like comaraderie, cooperation, and conflict-resolution. Make sure the camp’s philosophy matches your own values and that it’s a good fit for your kids.
How do you build community? One of the most satisfying parts of being at camp is feeling part of a larger community. Ask about the camp’s community-building activities, like whether there are nightly campfires or sing-alongs for the entire camp.
What’s the accommodation like? Ask whether the kids sleep in cabins or tents, whether there are bathrooms and showers nearby and, most importantly, whether your kids can request to room with friends from home. Whether your kids are first-time or seasoned campers, it’s always comforting and great fun to room with one or more of their regular friends.
How much does it cost? You probably don’t need any reminders to ask about the camp fee. But don’t forget to ask whether that fee is all-inclusive or whether there are additional costs for day or overnight trips, transportation to and from camp, special activities, etc. Also ask if there’s a refund policy should your kids get sick, what the deadline for registration is and, in case you missed the deadline, if there’s a waitlist. It’s also a good idea to ask if financial aid or needs-based scholarships are available, perhaps a sibling discount, whether you need to pay everything up front, or whether you can pay in instalments.
The program
How long are the sessions, can they be lengthened or shortened, and how long do most campers stay? Most camps offer sessions of a specific length. However, if you have other things planned for the summer, it can be useful to either shorten or lengthen a session to fit your schedule. Most kids like to stay at camp as long as all of the other kids (assuming they’re having a great time, no kid wants to be the one getting picked up from camp before everyone else).
What do the kids do on a typical day? Try to get a sense of what your kids will be doing on a typical day, including how much time is devoted to indoor and outdoor activities, and what they’ll be doing in the evenings. This will help you decide whether it’s the right camp for them.
How do you handle discipline and conflicts between campers? Ask questions that help you decide whether the camp’s parenting philosophy and practices agree with your own. You also want to make sure that your kids are aware of who they’re supposed to speak to in case they have conflicts with other campers, and what kind of behavior can result in serious consequences, up to and including dismissal.
What’s your communication and visiting policy? It’s always a good idea to find out how the camp prefers you communicate with your kids. By phone or email? How often? Also ask how many care packages you’re allowed/ encouraged to send, and whether there are designated visiting days.
How do you accommodate special needs? A high- quality camp is one where all the campers’ different needs are met. Ask how the staff accommodates special needs with respect to activities, behavior, learning, and dietary restrictions.
The staff
How do you hire, train, and supervise your camp counselors, and what’s the counselor-camper ratio? One of the best signs the camp is of high quality is if it has strict procedures for hiring, training, and supervision of camp counselors. This includes criminal background checks, first-aid training, and regular feedback sessions.
It’s also a good sign if most of the camp counselors return for several summers (they’re obviously enjoying the experience). And the counselor-to-camper ratio should be relatively low.
Is there a medical facility with qualified personnel?
A high-quality camp will either have a licensed physician or nurse on the premises, a well-stocked supply of commonly-used medications, and procedures in place for dispensing medication to all the kids who need them. Also, ask how far away the nearest hospital is, doctor’s office, and dental clinic and how the kids will get there, if needed.
What are your emergency procedures? Ask the camp director who will contact you in case of an emergency, and who you should contact in case an emergency occurs on your end.
The campers
How many campers do you have, and how many of them return every year? Generally speaking, the larger the camp the more activities, and the smaller the camp the more intimate it feels. Likewise, the higher the return rate, the more satisfied the kids are with the whole camp experience.
How do you deal with homesickness? Even the most seasoned campers can get homesick. Ask how the camp deals with homesickness. Do they encourage the campers to call home? Do you get to visit them outside official visiting days?
How can your kids stay in touch with their counselors after camp has ended? Kids often develop strong bonds with their counselors. Ask whether they’re encouraged to stay in touch after the camp has ended (who knows, your kids’ favorite counselor could end up being their babysitter). Some camps also host events throughout the year for counselors and campers. It’s a great way to keep in touch until next year’s camp.
Tanni Haas, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at The City University of New York - Brooklyn College.
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