How to Choose a Summer Camp

Summer is a great time for kids. They need to get away from the everyday stress of school as much as adults need to get away from their full time jobs. What
better way to help kids relax and enjoy their time off than to send them to summer camp? (By the way, this gives parents a nice break too.)

Before you make a camp decision for your child . . .

Questions to Ask Before You Register

Here is a list of questions to ask any camp director before you register. Pick and choose the ones that are relevant to you and your child. Feel free to print this page and keep it as a resource.

1. Who do you hire as counselors? Are they experienced? How old are they? Are they certified in CPR and First Aid? Have they undergone a criminal record check?
2. What are your hours of operation? for pre and post camp care? Is there an additional cost for extended hours?
3. What is the ratio of campers to counselors? Ratios of 8:1 are common. A maximum of 10:1 is probably the maximum ratio you would want.

Why Every Child Should Go to Camp

There are hundreds of reasons for kids to go to camp. Here is a partial list followed by expert advice.

Every child should go to camp to:

1. make new friends (the number one outcome cited by children who attend camp)
2. learn new physical skills (arts and crafts, sports, swimming, waterskiing, archery)
3. learn new social skills (communication, leadership, teamwork)
4. gain an appreciation of people’s different abilities (we are all gifted in some way or another)
5. experience the feelings of love, safety, and security

5 Things That Make Camp Different, and better

People who have attended or worked at a camp know that it is a very special place. Powerful and positive things happen in the camp environment that don’t happen anyplace else. The camp community and culture produce changes in people that are unique and long-lasting. It would be hard to make a complete . . .

5 More Reasons For Every Child to Attend Camp

Number 1 – CAMP IS A PLACE WHERE POSITIVE MEMORIES ARE MADE THAT LAST A LIFETIME

If adults that have attended summer camps as children are asked what their fondest childhood memories are, it is often found that they recollect and share their camp memories. Camp memories are created every year because of the great experiences shared by campers while at camp but . . .