Ideas on affordable summer camps, questions to ask when searching, and finding an accredited program.
It’s that time of year when parents begin to think about summer camps and programs for their children. There are many kinds of camps, day care, and adventure programs in which their youngsters can participate, and parents may feel overwhelmed when trying to pick one. The following ideas can help make this process easier.
What Do the Kids Want to Do?
This may seem like an easy question, but the kids may want to do all kinds of activities. Some children are really into sports such as soccer, or want to learn about science, for which there are day camps, week-long away camps, and multi-week camps. Of course, there are traditional summer camps with outdoor activities, arts and crafts, and sing-alongs. Having their input will help narrow the field, and they will be more interested in attending camp.
How Much Does it Cost?
Money is a big question to ask, especially with the current economy. Parents who may have wanted to send their children to an expensive summer camp in another state may want to rethink their options. If money is a concern, think about summer programs that are put on by the local community or county, which are less expensive, or even free. If the child is already enrolled in Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, a week at summer camp may only cost only a few hundred dollars, compared to thousands of dollars for expeditionary summer programs. Local church groups also offer summer programs. Finally, a program might offer scholarships, and the family may qualify.
How Do I Know the Program is Safe?
Do the research. Visit the program website to gather information. Ask other parents if they know about the program and what their experience was like. Call the program and ask to speak to the program director. Some questions to think about include:
- What activities are offered?
- What are the safety procedures?
- Who are the staff and what is their training?
- What are their qualifications?
- What clothing or equipment will be needed?
- What are the legal responsibilities for the program, and for myself?
- If the program is a local one, ask if it is possible to make a site visit.
Is the Camp Accredited?
Accreditation should be taken into account when making a decision. An accredited program means that it has met or exceeds certain criteria laid out by a professional organization that represents the industry. The American Camping Association provides certification for camp programs, and offers an online database. Parents can also find information to help in their decision-making process. Another organization that may accredit summer programs is the Association for Experiential Education.
