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Making Your Child a Happy Camper
Research Now so You Can Both Relax Later
By Jill Eggleton Brett
- What is the camp's philosophy or main goal for its campers?
- What is the ratio of counselors to campers? (Average is 1:7)
- How does the camp handle special needs?
- How does the camp deal with homesickness?
- Is the camp accredited by the American Camping Association?
Camps that are accredited by the ACA have committed themselves to uphold or exceed 300 nationally recognized standards set by their peers in the association. These standards cover everything from the camp staff's background to food preparation to safety guidelines.
"I completely checked out the camp before my children attended," says Lynn Skelly, who has sent all four of her children to summer camps. "I checked the camp director's references and made sure I agreed with the camp's ideas on how to handle behavioral problems. This way I knew I made the right decision when my children showed interest in camp."
Now is a great time to begin researching your summer camp options. By keeping your child involved in the decision-making process, and putting homesickness in its proper perspective, you ensure that your child will be a happy camper.