So Now is the time to find the best Kids Summer Camp for your child. As a parent you will need to do your homework to be sure that your child experiences a physically and emotionally safe time at camp while providing fun and an opportunity to personally develop. So lets start with the basics: do some internet research then call the camp director of all camps you're interested in. Be sure to inquire who licenses the establishment. If the State does? Understand, each state have different levels of inspection with many states require little to no annual inspection.
The American Camp Association, is a voluntary organization that camps pay a fee to belong. This membership also ensures that the summer camp you are looking at has passed over three hundred standards. These include: health, safety, facilities, programs and staffing with an on site inspection every 3 years. There are no guarantees that selecting an ACA will be the best for your child, but you greatly improve the chances.
What if the camp you are choosing is not ACA selected. Well, There are many good programs not accredited. Some are too new or too small or choose not to get accreditation. Just be sure to ask the Director of your camp why they are not ACA accredited. Don't worry you will not be the first to ask that question. Jeff Lorenz Director of Swift Nature Camp says "It takes a huge commitment of time and cash to become a member and often it is difficult for camps to make that a priority".
Regardless, even great programs might not meet your child's needs. For instance a great Hockey Camp would have little value to my son. It is also important to determine if the camp is sport specific and its main focus is game improvment or a general traditional camp that will focus on personal growth and development. That means a parent considering any program needs to ask lots of questions of the camp director. Here are a few
What is the camp's approach to discipline and how does the camp handle conflicts between campers? Find out what the camp's rules are and what breaches would result in a camper being sent home. You should be comfortable that the camp's practices are in line with your parenting practices.
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. Are campers busy all day long or do they have lots of down time? Can they watch TV? How about other electronics?
Will the camp be transporting the children? How do campers get to camp? Can they fly to a local airport? Is their a bus from your area? Who runs the bus? At camp, what vehicles are used and how often are they inspected? Who drives them and what training do drivers have? All things to consider.
This is only the beginning to picking the best Summer Camps. Summer Camp Advice is a website that has more information about camp and loads of videos to watch.
The American Camp Association, is a voluntary organization that camps pay a fee to belong. This membership also ensures that the summer camp you are looking at has passed over three hundred standards. These include: health, safety, facilities, programs and staffing with an on site inspection every 3 years. There are no guarantees that selecting an ACA will be the best for your child, but you greatly improve the chances.
What if the camp you are choosing is not ACA selected. Well, There are many good programs not accredited. Some are too new or too small or choose not to get accreditation. Just be sure to ask the Director of your camp why they are not ACA accredited. Don't worry you will not be the first to ask that question. Jeff Lorenz Director of Swift Nature Camp says "It takes a huge commitment of time and cash to become a member and often it is difficult for camps to make that a priority".
Regardless, even great programs might not meet your child's needs. For instance a great Hockey Camp would have little value to my son. It is also important to determine if the camp is sport specific and its main focus is game improvment or a general traditional camp that will focus on personal growth and development. That means a parent considering any program needs to ask lots of questions of the camp director. Here are a few
What is the camp's approach to discipline and how does the camp handle conflicts between campers? Find out what the camp's rules are and what breaches would result in a camper being sent home. You should be comfortable that the camp's practices are in line with your parenting practices.
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. Are campers busy all day long or do they have lots of down time? Can they watch TV? How about other electronics?
Will the camp be transporting the children? How do campers get to camp? Can they fly to a local airport? Is their a bus from your area? Who runs the bus? At camp, what vehicles are used and how often are they inspected? Who drives them and what training do drivers have? All things to consider.
This is only the beginning to picking the best Summer Camps. Summer Camp Advice is a website that has more information about camp and loads of videos to watch.
About the Author:
Swift Nature Camp is an Science Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 who love science, nature and being outside. Its a great place for first timers or teens alike, take a look.
No comments:
Post a Comment