So you are thinking about a Wisconsin Summer Camp for your child. GREAT! Here are the top 10 questions to ask a summer camp director. This list was compiled by the American Camp Association.
What's the camp's philosophy? Is it one you're comfortable with? Is it a good match for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? If it's a camp run by a religious organization, what religious observances or practices are part of the program? If you're looking at a sports camp that touts an affiliation with a celebrity athlete, how much time--if any--will the sports star actually spend there?
What does camp do with staff? First aid training? Drug Testing? Do counselors have criminal background checks? What's the training all about?
What about return rates? How many counselors are returning this year? The ACA says at most camps, 50 percent of the staff returns. If the number you're given is lower, ask why. How many campers return? Fifty percent is good, and more is better. Still looking for that perfect camp Check out this Wisconsin Summer Camps
What's the ratio of counselors to campers? ACA guidelines for overnight camps call for a 1:6 ratio for ages 7 and 8, 1:8 for ages 9-14; and 1:10 for ages 15-18. Day camp guidelines call for 1:8 for children ages 6-8; 1:10 for children ages 9-14; and 1:12 for ages 15-18.
What's the age of Staff ? Eighty percent of the staff be 18 or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise.
What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby? The ACA recommends that an overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access. If your child takes medication, has food allergies or a chronic medical condition, be sure you are comfortable that the camp will be able to handle your child's needs.
How does the camp handle conflicts and Discipline? 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 is a day at camp like? This will help you know if your child will find happiness with the level of activity. Is their choice in selecting activities.
Will the camp be transporting the children? What vehicles are used and how often are they inspected? Who drives them and what training do drivers have?
Get References and more References, Get the names of parents with children who have attended the camp. They will tell you what makes camp so special and why they want to return.
Still looking for a resource to help you sort out all the summer camp confusion? Try Selecting a Camp
What's the camp's philosophy? Is it one you're comfortable with? Is it a good match for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? If it's a camp run by a religious organization, what religious observances or practices are part of the program? If you're looking at a sports camp that touts an affiliation with a celebrity athlete, how much time--if any--will the sports star actually spend there?
What does camp do with staff? First aid training? Drug Testing? Do counselors have criminal background checks? What's the training all about?
What about return rates? How many counselors are returning this year? The ACA says at most camps, 50 percent of the staff returns. If the number you're given is lower, ask why. How many campers return? Fifty percent is good, and more is better. Still looking for that perfect camp Check out this Wisconsin Summer Camps
What's the ratio of counselors to campers? ACA guidelines for overnight camps call for a 1:6 ratio for ages 7 and 8, 1:8 for ages 9-14; and 1:10 for ages 15-18. Day camp guidelines call for 1:8 for children ages 6-8; 1:10 for children ages 9-14; and 1:12 for ages 15-18.
What's the age of Staff ? Eighty percent of the staff be 18 or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise.
What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby? The ACA recommends that an overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access. If your child takes medication, has food allergies or a chronic medical condition, be sure you are comfortable that the camp will be able to handle your child's needs.
How does the camp handle conflicts and Discipline? 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 is a day at camp like? This will help you know if your child will find happiness with the level of activity. Is their choice in selecting activities.
Will the camp be transporting the children? What vehicles are used and how often are they inspected? Who drives them and what training do drivers have?
Get References and more References, Get the names of parents with children who have attended the camp. They will tell you what makes camp so special and why they want to return.
Still looking for a resource to help you sort out all the summer camp confusion? Try Selecting a Camp
About the Author:
Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional coed Wi. Summer Camps. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature and science along with traditional camping. See more at Kids Summer Camp
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