Choosing a Summer Camp for Your Child

As summertime will soon be here, it's not too early to start thinking about activities for your children. We all want our children to have happy, enjoyable summer experiences that are appropriate for their needs and interests. A good camp experience can offer your child the opportunity to try new activities, to learn new skills, to make friends and to gain a sense of independence.

Where do you begin? In a recent interview with Barbara Davis, Director of Public Services of the Waltham-based office of the American Camping Association, she emphatically stated that it is essential to "understand your child and to know his or her interests" when choosing a camp. Some questions you might ask yourself include:

• Does your child have a special interest, such as drama, music, a particular sport, nature study, or arts and crafts?
• Has your child expressed interest in learning a particular new skill?
• Does your child have any special needs or a particular learning style?
• Are swimming and/or water sports important to your child?
• Would your child be more comfortable going off with a friend? Would this make a difference?
• Does your child do well in a structured environment or is a relatively relaxed setting more appropriate?
• Would your child be more comfortable in a day camp near home, or is he or she ready for a sleep-away experience?

Your child's age, past experience and personality will be factors in determining his or her readiness for a particular type of program. For example, as Davis noted, "some children are ready for overnight camp at 6 years, and some aren't ready until they are l2 years old."

Another point Davis makes is that "it should be a thoughtful process which involves interviewing the director, reviewing information, getting references from other parents and visiting the camp in progress, if possible. The whole process should be a cooperative parent-child effort." This should take into consideration not only the interests of the child, but such other practical factors as the location of the camp, whether or not transportation or carpooling is available, the number of weeks of the program, the costs involved, and the refund policy.

There are three basic types of camps — day camps, overnight camps or specialty camps. Most camps are recreational, while some offer tutoring and remedial work as well as enrichment programs.

After making your decision about which type of program you are considering, and getting names of possible camps from the sources listed at the end of this article, you should begin your inquiry by calling the camp for a brochure and some basic information about the program. Find out if they will be having an open house or will be represented at one of the local camp fairs held throughout the winter in your area. Some camps have video tapes or slide shows that will give you a visual impression of typical camping experiences and the facilities.

Ask lots of specific questions, and if possible, meet with the director personally. You will want to know what the camp philosophy and stated goals are, how the staff is trained and supervised, their ages and experience, and the staff-camper ratio. One indication of the success of the camp would be the rate of return of both campers and staff, including the director. What is the camp's discipline policy? Ask if the special programs are actually taught by specialists trained specifically in that field. How are the groups organized? What is the daily schedule? What happens on rainy days? Are there any special events planned? What do the facilities include, e.g. pools, sports fields, art studios, special equipment, sleeping arrangements, meals, laundry facilities, bathroom facilities, special trips, transportation arrangements and special needs facilities. The camp's emergency procedures and safety policies are also important. Is there a trained nurse or doctor on site? Is the staff trained in First Aid and CPR? What is the camp's insurance coverage? Is there appropriate water sports supervision? The more questions you ask now the fewer surprises you will encounter later.

If you are planning very far ahead, it is helpful to visit the camp the summer before you are interested in sending your child. The impressions you get while observing a situation first-hand are unique. Be aware of such things as staff involvement and the energy level of the campers, as well as the general ambience of the place.

Ask the director for references of parents who have sent their children in the past, and get references directly from parents as well. Find out what their kids liked the most, what they did not like (there's always something), and if the staff met the parents' expectations.

There are other options just for teens, such as Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs, where l4-l7 year olds can gain leadership skills while assisting with younger campers. Teens can also take advantage of wilderness programs, cross-country travel, bike trips and adventure programs, as well as international travel or summer school programs.

As an alternative to a typical day or residential camp, other summer activities for children can be found at local community centers (such as Ys, JCCs, Girls/Boys Clubs), neighborhood playgrounds, Scout programs and public libraries. These options can include arts and crafts classes, swimming lessons and other recreational programs.

So begin to plan now for an exciting, fun-filled and memorable summer for your children. Good camps do fill up early! Don't forget the importance of maintaining a positive attitude about the camping experience. Involving your children in the camp selection process from the very beginning can help to make them more aware of what to expect from the experience. Talk about the new things they'll be learning and the friends they'll be making. Many parents have fond memories of their youthful camping experiences and want the same for their children, but they should remember that each child is a unique individual who may need or want a different type of experience.

RESOURCES

This web site will guide you through a camp search for a suitable camp in Massachusetts:

http://web.mit.edu/hr/worklife/scguide.htm

Campsource Free referral service for summer camps and teen programs in the US and abroad. Experienced staff dedicated to simplifying the camp selection process at no cost and with no obligation. (617 244-3316) or www campsourcenetwork.com

The American Camping Association offers a free information and referral service to parents and campers interested in overnight camps throughout New England. (508 647-2267) or www.acane-camps.org

Associated Grantmakers has a contact list for programs in the Summer Fund, which lists free and low-cost residential and day camps. (617 426-2606) or www.agconnect.org

Boston CityWide Education Coalition (617 542-2835) Summer camp guide available.

Boston Community Centers (617 635-4920) Their Boston Guide to Youth Services lists summer events, activities and services by neighborhood.

Cambridge Camping Association (617 864 0960) For a small application fee, they can help parents find quality overnight camps with financial aid.

Student Camp and Trip Advisory (617 558 7005 or 800 542-1233) Offers a free service to families regarding programs for children ages 7–18 years old.

Brookline School-Community Partnership (617 739-7612) K.I.D.S (Kids Involved During Summer) Summer Programs Directory available.

Newton Parks and Recreation (617 552-7120) Information about summer camps, classes, sports and recreational activities.