Once you’ve identified potential camps for your children, you’ll want to evaluate each camp to verify that it’s a quality camp that will provide a positive experience for your child. This will help you identify your top camps choices.
Evaluating a camp is very similar to evaluating a school or preschool. A safe environment and qualified staff are the top priorities. Followed closely by growth and learning opportunities. Consider the following details when evaluating camps for your children:
Location & Environment: Is the camp location convenient for you to reach from your home or on your way to/from work. Is the facility clean, safe, and well maintained. Is the facility secured with fences and are the entrances monitored.
Safety Procedures: Does the camp have a camper check-in/check-out procedure that requires an ID or password? How and how often does camp staff account for all campers?
Camp Director: What are the qualifications and experience of the Camp Director? How many years has she held this position?
Camp Counselors: What are the qualifications and experience of the Camp Counselors? What is the typical age and education background? The American Camp Association recommends that 80% of counselors be over 18 years of age. How many counselors are returning from previous years. Fifty percent returning counselors is reasonable. What training do new counselors receive? What are the qualifications for lifeguards, coaches, drivers, and other specialized staff? What is the process for staff background checks?
Staffing Ratio: What is the staffing ratio (number of staff to number of campers)? Note: the American Camp Association recommends a 1:8 ratio (1 staff for every 8 campers) for ages 6-8, 1:10 for ages 9-14, and 1:12 for ages 15-18 for day camps. Resident (overnight) ratio recommendations are 1:6 for ages 6-8, 1:8 for ages 9-14, and 1:10 for ages 15-18.
Return Rate & References: What percentage of campers return from previous years. Can the camp provide a list of references from parents of last year’s campers?
Medical & Emergency Procedures: Does the camp have quick access to a nurse, doctor or medical facility? What procedures are followed for emergency situations, such as severe weather, earthquake, or police activity.
Transportation: Will your child be riding buses/vans to camp activities? If so, who provides the vehicles and drivers? What are the requirements for driver licensure and training?
Safety Equipment: What protective equipment is provided for special activities, such as canoeing, rock climbing, and baseball. What safety procedures are used to minimize risk in activities, such as gymnastics and horseback riding?
Daily Schedule: What time does the camp officially start and end? Are there extended day options for working parents? How much time is typically spent on various activities (crafts, games, swimming, etc.).
Field Trips & Special Events: What type of field trips and special events (dress-up days, swim day, etc.) are planned? When do these occur?
Cost: Is the camp cost within your budget? What does the cost include and are there any additional costs (ex. field trip fees) or supplies (athletic gear) that you are expected to purchase?
Tip: Check out camps for next summer during this summer, so you can see them in action.