Be prepared with your queries, and you’ll get the answers you need to make the best decision
Had you been really thinking about it last year, you would already have a handle on which camp you were going to send your child to this year. As always, the best way to assess what a camp is going to offer your child is to visit it—which is (of course) when it is in session; typically in the summer months. But we can’t go back to the future, so here we are, trying to make decisions on a place you can’t fully evaluate right now.
Thankfully, Minnesota Parent offers a cool event every year called the Camp Fair. It’s the next best thing to visiting a camp—and it may be actually even more convenient for you than a real visit. Why? Because if the answers you get from one place don’t seem to quite fit what you have in mind, you can literally walk three to five feet, and you are at the next “camp.” Think of all of the drive time you will save! All of the phone calls and web surfing you won’t have to do!
But what do you say once you have the ear of a camp counselor or director? Everyone will no doubt say their camp is great (and yes, they probably all are); but your goal is to find a place that will fit many different requirements: budget, behavior, and more.
I spoke with the good people at the American Camp Association (aca.org) and they were kind enough to talk to me about the best kinds of questions to ask—and why they believe these questions will be of the most help. They are:
1. What is the camp’s philosophy?
When asking this question, you will be trying to assess how camp values complement your own family values.
2. What are the qualifications of the camp director?
Beyond looking at whether their personality is a good fit for your child, you need to be looking for solid education and experience related to the camp administration.
3. What is the ratio of campers to counselors?
As you have discovered from your child’s educational experience, different ages require different ratios. One staff member to every seven or eight campers is considered a medium range.
4. What are the safety and medical procedures in place at camp?
The way they answer this question will demonstrate a camp’s commitment to the well-being and safety of its campers.
5. How does the camp handle adjustment issues such as homesickness or behavior problems?
Find a camp that actively commits to staff training and sharing knowledge in the area of child development. Positive reinforcement, fairness, and strong mentoring form the foundation of good counselor strategies. A good place to start would be with an ACA-accredited camp, which requires this as part of its accreditation.
6. What is the camp’s ratio of returning counselors?
A camp with 40 to 60 percent of returning staff is optimal. Don’t hesitate to question why the ratio is lower, should that come up.
7. How much will camp cost?
This is huge, always a concern. Camp can cost anywhere from $20 a day to $200, depending upon various factors. But have hope: many camps offer scholarships and work-camp-related opportunities for older children.
8. Will the camp be able to accommodate my special needs child?
A discussion with the camp director outlining the nature of the special needs offerings should answer your questions about the camp’s ability to provide the optimal environment for you and your child.
9. Are camp visits encouraged before enrollment?
As noted earlier, the best time to visit camp is in the summertime when it is in full swing. However, many camps have videos and photo books that will help you to envision your child at that camp, should you not have the luxury of a visit. You should also note that attending the February 25th Minnesota Parent Camp Fair is a great way to begin your planning, whether you decide to send your child this year, or are beginning to plant the seeds for a 2013 camp experience.
10. Will the camp provide names and contact information of parents who are willing to share info about their own child’s experience at the camp?
It may seem like a difficult cold call to make, but talking to other adults who have sent their child through the camp system is very helpful. Try to get at least one contact who can offer a non-biased perspective of their child’s experience.
I know it seems early to be thinking about camp, but by the time spring hits full bore, many of the best camps will have their prime slots filled for the summer. Choosing a camp now, truly just three months prior to the summer school break, will allow you to cross one major item off your list, save up and/or begin paying for the experience, and ensure your child gets into the camp you earmarked for them.
