How to Select a Summer Camp

Selecting a Summer Camp for your camper takes some work. First think if your going to go to a Coed Camps or asigle gender like a all boys camp. Each have their own benefit. Maybe a Coed Camp is best for your child. Now work with you child to find a camp that will increase their interests or expose them to new activities. After all that, here are the top 10 questions to ask a summer camp director. This list was compiled by the American Camp Association.
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<br>What's the camp's Purpose? Is it Sports? Is it Traditional? Os it Science? Are you comfortable with this ? Is it a good fit for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? Do you want religious observances or practices? Try to understand all parts of the program
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<br>How does the Summer Camp get and train its staff? Do counselors have criminal background checks? First aid training? Drug Testing? What's the training all about?
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<br>What about return rates? How many counselors are returning this year? The ACA says at most camps, 50 percent of the staff returns. If the number you're given is lower, ask why. How many campers return? Fifty percent is good, and more is better.
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<br>What's the ratio of counselors to campers? ACA guidelines for overnight camps call for a 1:6 ratio for ages 7 and 8, 1:8 for ages 9-14; and 1:10 for ages 15-18. Day camp guidelines call for 1:8 for children ages 6-8; 1:10 for children ages 9-14; and 1:12 for ages 15-18.
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<br>How old are the counselors? The ACA recommends that 80 percent of the staff be 18 or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise.
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<br>What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby? The ACA recommends that an overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access. If your child takes medication, has food allergies or a chronic medical condition, be sure you are comfortable that the camp will be able to handle your child's needs.
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<br>How does the camp Punish campers? Know what your summer camp's rules and regulations. Be sure they match yur parental thoughts. Know what breaches would send a camper home.
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<br>What does a typical daily schedule look like? This will help you decide if your child will be happy with the level of physical activity or the amount of time devoted to arts and crafts. Ask how much freedom a child has to choose activities.
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<br>Will the camp be transporting the children? What vehicles are used and how often are they inspected? Who drives them and what training do drivers have?
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<br>Ask for references. Finally and most important, get the names of parents with children the same age who have attended the camp.
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<br>Still looking for ideas to help you make an informed decision? Check out www.SummerCampAdvice.com A FREE Summer Camp guide.
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<br>About the Author: Swift <a href="http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com" rel="nofollow">Nature Camp</a>, a non-competitive, traditional <a href="http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com" rel="nofollow">Children's Summer Camp</a> in Wisconsin. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15. enjoy Traditional activities along with Nature and Animals at this <a href='http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/science-atcamp.htm' rel="nofollow">Science Summer Camp</a>. Many see it as a <a href="http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/homeschool.htm" rel="nofollow">Homeschool Summer Camp</a> because it is so small and personable.
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