5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Summer Camp
January 31, 20255 Things to Consider When Choosing a Summer Camp for Your Child
Written by Matt Hanson, VP of Camping Services, The Granite YMCA
As a former Camp Director of nine years, I have seen firsthand the value and benefits of summer camp for youth. Now as a parent of a nine-year-old, I look at camp through a different lens. Choosing the right summer overnight or day camp for your child is an important decision that can greatly impact their experience. With the variety of camps out there with different options, it is important to know what to look for and what questions to ask. Here are five top considerations to keep in mind:
1. Camp Programs and Activities
Review the camp's offerings to ensure they align with your child's interests. Does the camp offer opportunities for your child to make friends and participate in bonding experiences that last a lifetime? Whether it's arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, aquatics, or fun educational programs, a diverse range of activities can keep your child engaged and excited throughout their week at camp. It may also provide an opportunity for your child to try something new! Many summer camps offer more activities than your camper can physically do in a week. Consider asking about age requirements for activities.
2. Safety and Staff Qualifications
Look into the camp's safety measures, including staff-to-camper ratios, emergency procedures, and background checks for staff members. Consider the qualifications and training of the counselors, and if the camp is accredited. The American Camp Association (ACA) Accreditation is granted to camps that have undergone peer reviews of its operation. The process reviews staff qualifications and emergency management. ACA works with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to ensure that current practices reflect the most up-to-date standards. Ask the camp how long they have been accredited and if they are not accredited, why they have decided to not pursue accreditation.
3. Location and Facilities
Think about the type of location and environment that your child may favor. Most camp experiences are synonymous with nature. Does the camp offer amenities like open spaces to play, a lake or pond, or wooded areas for exploration? Does the day camp offer outdoor activities or field trips? If you are looking for a day camp, is it easily accessible for daily drop off and pick up? Ask the camp staff how long it takes to pick up and drop off. This will help you determine how well the camp will fit into your daily schedule.
4. Cost and Refund Policies
Evaluate the camp's cost and what is included. Camps will differ on whether the cost of before care and after care is included. It’s important to review the refund policy and any additional fees for extra activities. Add-ons and activities that are not included can skew the perception of the cost of camp. If the camp is not all inclusive, ask about additional fees.
5. Duration of Camp Session
Day camps will run anywhere between 3 hours a day to 10 hours a day. Understanding that duration will help you make an informed decision. Overnight camps typically run between a 6-day session all the way up to an 8-week summer session. Some camps will feature visiting days and others do not.
Finally, you know your child best and your summer goals. Consider a mix of day camp, a few weeks of overnight camp and some time at home with family and friends. Their positive summer experience and yours may depend upon these considerations so everyone enters camp with clear expectations.
