Here are some things to consider when visiting a camp, watching a video or flipping through the brochure. Please note many of these areas may affect your child's stay at summer camp. Be sure to ask the Summer Camp Director if you can not find information that you feel is a top priority for your child.
Facilities: Look at the condition of the facilities. Do the buildings they show signs of wear and a lack of maintenance, Though well worn and rustic buildings are perfectly ok, make sure that they are not being neglected. Specific things you'll want to look for and ask about include:
Bunks: * Are they in cabins, tents, or dorms? * How many sleep in each cabin? * Are the beds individual cots or bunk beds? * How are beds chosen? What if they don't want a top bunk? * Where are belongings stored? * IIs there enough storage space? Does it look like the camp Has overbooked the camp crowded extra campers in? * Are the bunks clean? Does the camp do cabin inspection? * Where do the counselors sleep? How many counselors sleep in each bunk?
Bathrooms: * How near the cabins are the toilets? Does each bunk have it's own toilets or is there a common bathhouse? * If there is a common bathhouse? Do children walk alone at night? Is the path lighted? * Are there showers in each bunk or a common area? * If the camp is coed, how separate are the shower facilities? Where? * How often and who cleans the facilities?
Waterfront or Swimming Pool: *Can pool accommodate all of camps swimmers? * Is the waterfront areas for swimming, boating, water skiing and diving separate and clearly marked? * What waterfront equipment is provided? * What is the supervision and ratio of lifeguards to swimmers? * Are life jackets worn during water activities? * Is swimming areas marked? * How are swimmers counted and watched? Buddy board?
The Grounds: * Are playing fields freshly reseeded and mowed? * Are the trails clearly marked? * Is the equipment in good condition?
Dinning Hall:Your child will spend alot of time in the Dinning Hall. Be sure the Camp understand this and work to make it a clean, exciting and nutritious experience If you have special dietary needs don't be forget to make sure they can accommodate your needs. Kids Summer Camp *Can the whole camp to be served in one seating? * Do cabins eat together or split up? * How are meals served, buffet style or family style? * What if your childr doesn't like the main meal? what are the alternatives? Is there a salad bar? * Are snacks served? How and what are the snacks? * What is a typical menu? * What are ther credentials of the cook? * Is the kitchen inspected by local authorities? What are the safety and cleanliness standards?
Remember this article has to do with the comforts of camp and not with safety at camp. The American Camp Association has a certification program that looks at over 300 different aspects of camp. It is always best to select a camp that has been ACA Accredited. ACA CAMPS
You can learn more about selecting a wonderful Summer Camp by visiting Summer Camp Advice Summer Camp Information - 30224
Facilities: Look at the condition of the facilities. Do the buildings they show signs of wear and a lack of maintenance, Though well worn and rustic buildings are perfectly ok, make sure that they are not being neglected. Specific things you'll want to look for and ask about include:
Bunks: * Are they in cabins, tents, or dorms? * How many sleep in each cabin? * Are the beds individual cots or bunk beds? * How are beds chosen? What if they don't want a top bunk? * Where are belongings stored? * IIs there enough storage space? Does it look like the camp Has overbooked the camp crowded extra campers in? * Are the bunks clean? Does the camp do cabin inspection? * Where do the counselors sleep? How many counselors sleep in each bunk?
Bathrooms: * How near the cabins are the toilets? Does each bunk have it's own toilets or is there a common bathhouse? * If there is a common bathhouse? Do children walk alone at night? Is the path lighted? * Are there showers in each bunk or a common area? * If the camp is coed, how separate are the shower facilities? Where? * How often and who cleans the facilities?
Waterfront or Swimming Pool: *Can pool accommodate all of camps swimmers? * Is the waterfront areas for swimming, boating, water skiing and diving separate and clearly marked? * What waterfront equipment is provided? * What is the supervision and ratio of lifeguards to swimmers? * Are life jackets worn during water activities? * Is swimming areas marked? * How are swimmers counted and watched? Buddy board?
The Grounds: * Are playing fields freshly reseeded and mowed? * Are the trails clearly marked? * Is the equipment in good condition?
Dinning Hall:Your child will spend alot of time in the Dinning Hall. Be sure the Camp understand this and work to make it a clean, exciting and nutritious experience If you have special dietary needs don't be forget to make sure they can accommodate your needs. Kids Summer Camp *Can the whole camp to be served in one seating? * Do cabins eat together or split up? * How are meals served, buffet style or family style? * What if your childr doesn't like the main meal? what are the alternatives? Is there a salad bar? * Are snacks served? How and what are the snacks? * What is a typical menu? * What are ther credentials of the cook? * Is the kitchen inspected by local authorities? What are the safety and cleanliness standards?
Remember this article has to do with the comforts of camp and not with safety at camp. The American Camp Association has a certification program that looks at over 300 different aspects of camp. It is always best to select a camp that has been ACA Accredited. ACA CAMPS
You can learn more about selecting a wonderful Summer Camp by visiting Summer Camp Advice Summer Camp Information - 30224
About the Author:
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift a non-competitive, traditional coed overnight Summer Camp for Boys and Girls Ages 6-15. We promote Nature & Science along with traditional camp activities. Swift specializes in programs for the first time camper as well as a Teen Adventure Camp.
