|
Choosing
a Summer Camp
- Take time to
visit the site and meet the director.
-
Talk to parents whose children attended the camp in the
past.
-
Camps not run by child care centers are not required to
be licensed, but they should have reasonable adult: child
ratios- especially for younger children.
-
Find out how much training and/or experience the camp directors
and counselors have had. The American Camping Association
recommends that 80 percent or more of the staff be 18 years
or older.
-
Find out how long the camp has been around.
-
Ask for a typical week's schedule of activities. Check for
a balance of structure and creativity, quiet time and stimulation,
safe boundaries and freedom to enjoy.
-
Make sure activities are developmentally appropriate for
your child's age. Planning for younger children to play
basketball for three hours is not appropriate and may be
an indication of other inappropriate expectations.
-
Check to see how the camp handles emergencies, sicknesses
and field trips.
-
If children will be swimming there should be enough certified
lifeguards and adult supervision.
-
Ask directors and counselors how they handle discipline
and behavior problems. How do they handle shy children?
What do they do with a child who is afraid to go in the
water?
-
It may help your child feel more relaxed if you visit the
site a few days in advance. Find his or her room, the water
fountains and the restrooms.
-
Once your child has been in camp for a few days, pay close
attention to his or her moods at the end of the day. A child
who is frantic and uneasy may not be in the camp situation
best for him or her.
-
Although children benefit from being active, be sure not
to over program for the summer. Children need a break too!
-
Remember that children also benefit from family activities
and time to themselves.
-
Ask your child, "Are
you having fun?
|
