How to Choose the Best Camp for Your Child
By Gwen Bagley

Camp is a great place for children to unlock their potential and discover the world. This special environment helps young people develop positive self-esteem and enhance their social skills while having fun! With the abundance of choices, choosing a camp may seem overwhelming. Selecting the right program is often a matter of knowing your options and asking the right questions.

When selecting a camp with your child, spend some time talking with the camp director. Don't be afraid to ask questions. A good camp will have paid a lot of attention to these parental concerns and should be eager to respond to them. The following questions are a good guideline for your conversation.

What is the camp's philosophy and program emphasis? Does it complement your own parenting philosophy?
Each camp has its own method of constructing programs based on its philosophy. Many camps actively promote competition and healthy rivalry among camp teams, as reflected in team sports. For many campers this is pure fun. Some parents feel that learning to be competitive at an early age teaches essential survival skills. However, other parents and educators are in favor of cooperative learning. Knowing your child's personality and style of learning is valuable in selecting the right camp.

Is the Camp Accredited?
When you choose a camp accredited by the American Camping Association, you have assurance that many important questions already have been asked and answered. ACA Accreditation teams ask the questions -- 300 of them -- regarding essential health, safety, and program quality issues important to a camp's overall operation. This does not guarantee a risk-free environment, but it's some of the best evidence parents have of a camp's commitment to a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

What is the camp director's background?
ACA (American Camping Association) minimum standards recommend directors possess a bachelor's degree, have completed in-service training within the past three years, and have at least 16 weeks of camp administrative experience before assuming the responsibilities of director.

What training do counselors receive?
At a minimum, camp staff should be trained in safety regulations, emergency procedures and communication, behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate staff and camper behavior, and specific procedures for supervision.

What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?
ACA standards require different ratios for varying ages and special needs. Generally, the ratios at resident camps range from: One staff for every six campers ages 7 and 8; one staff for every eight campers ages 9 to 14; and one staff for every 10 campers ages 15 to 17. At day camps the ratios range from: one staff for every eight campers ages 6 to 8; one staff for every 10 campers ages 9 to 14; and one staff for every 12 campers ages 15 to 17.

How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled?
This is where the director's philosophy comes through loud and clear. Positive reinforcement, assertive role modeling and a sense of fair play are generally regarded as key components of camp counseling and leadership. Rules are necessary in any organization and the disciplinary approach taken should be reasonable and well communicated. If penalties are involved for violations, they should be applied quickly, fairly, calmly, and without undue criticism to campers.

How does the camp handle special needs?
If your child has special requirements, ask the camp director about needed provisions and facilities. Is there a nurse on staff? A designated place to store insulin or allergy medicine? Are special foods available for campers with restricted diets? Every question is important.

How does the camp handle homesickness and other adjustment issues?
Again, the camp's philosophy on helping children adjust is important. Be sure you are comfortable with the camp's guidelines on parent/child contact.

When you narrow down your choices be sure to focus on the aspects most important to your family. For example a camp's facilities might be the most impressive however that won't mean a great deal if the staff is not friendly, or programs are inadequate. Above all, take into account your child’s personality and include your child in the decision-making process. By working together, you and your family will find a camp experience that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Gwen Bagley currently serves as the Vice President of Child Care Services for the YMCA of Orange County. She has a bachelor's degree in Family Resources and as been in the field of working with children and families for over 15 years. Gwen currently resides in Mission Viejo with her husband and two pets, her dog Mandy and cat "Hiss."