Choosing a Summer Camp: 8 Questions to Ask
By: Charlene Roth
Summer vacation is coming up fast. When it does, you want to be prepared. You’ve thought about letting your child stay home all summer, but something about that doesn’t seem right. You’d much rather your child have a social and outdoor experience with other children his or her age.
Thousands of parents across the country make a similar decision each and every summer. Rather than allowing their children to stay home unsupervised or hiring a babysitter, parents send their children to summer day camps that keep them busy during work hours.
This solution not only keeps children safe, but it also keeps them from playing video games and lounging around the house all day. Unfortunately, choosing the right summer camp for your child can be difficult. After all, the counselors and supervisors at the camp will be responsible for his or her welfare on a daily basis. Here are eight important questions that you need to ask when choosing a summer camp, brought to you by Jump Start Swimming.
1. Is the camp enclosed?
It seems like common sense that a summer camp for minors should be enclosed - not only to keep them inside, but to keep others out. Does your prospective summer camp have boundaries? If so, how are those boundaries enforced? How are visitors screened? How strong are the barriers? There’s a significant difference between a chicken wire fence and a wall. You should choose a camp with a safe, and enclosed, location.
2.What kind of activities will my child be participating in?
Will your child be swimming, riding horses, and going on scavenger hunts? Or will your child be allowed to roam the camp as he or she pleases? Most parents feel uncomfortable paying for a summer camp experience that will mostly involve cheap playgrounds and unstructured afternoons. Children who are allowed to wander tend to get into trouble. Choose a camp that offers plenty of structured activities.
3. Will my child always be supervised by a qualified adult?
You should walk away from any summer camp that cannot guarantee the supervision of your children by a qualified adult. Counselors should be experienced and involved individuals who are significantly older than your child - and at least one of them should be employed directly by the camp, rather than a volunteer.
4. How can my child reach me, if necessary?
Many summer camps prohibit cell phone use by children. In most other situations, parents of children and preteens don’t allow them to have a cell phone. How will your child be able to contact you, if needed? Are there available phones for emergencies or uncomfortable situations? Your child should never feel completely separated from you.
5. Is the camp separated into age groups?
Camps that are separated into age groups tend to tailor activities toward each group. This ensures a more enjoyable and unique experience for your child. You should remember, though, that this is different from grouping by ability. The New York Times recently explored this phenomenon in children.
6. Are the counselors prepared to handle children with special needs?
Even if your child isn’t a special needs student, you should always make sure you choose a summer camp that is prepared to handle these needs. You never know when your child might benefit from it.
7. What meals and snacks will be served during the day?
Camps should offer a variety of healthy snacks and meals for your child. You should take a look at the room where food is stored, how food is prepared, and where food is served. Gordon Food Service spent time promoting healthy camping food to kids and summer camps across the country.
8. Is there easily accessible shade, water, sunscreen, and other protective gear?
There will be days when your child forgets important gear - such as a water bottle or sunscreen. Your summer camp should be able to provide these necessities for your child. You can also stock up on items your child needs before they head off to camp. Fortunately, if you shop at retailers such as Target, you can often find coupon codes and promos to help you purchase anything you child needs without doing harm to your bank account.
As you look through potential summer camps, keep these safety-related questions in mind. You’ll be glad you did. And to get your child ready for camp, schedule swim lessons with Jump Start Swimming. Please fill out the contact form to get in touch with us.
For more safety tips for kids, please visits Charlene Roth's website safetykid.info