Title: Thirteen Things To Look For When Choosing An Overnight Summer Camp
1(No Transcript)
2WHEN CHOOSING AN
13 THINGS TO LOOK FOR
OVERNIGHT SUMMER CAMP
3Choosing just the right overnight summer camp for
your youngster is a huge deal. After all, youll
be sending them off, without your care and
supervision
4 for a big piece of the summer, and youll want
to be sure theyre safe, happy, having fun and
growing in positive ways.
5By keeping a few basic must-haves in mind, you
can sleep a little easier on those much quieter
summer nights.
6Safety is key.
7Its great when your kids have fun, but,
arguably, safety is the most important component
of a sleepaway experience.
8Are counselors and instructors well-trained and
certified?
Are the grounds well-maintained and is all safety
equipment routinely inspected?
What kind of training do counselors have?
9Counselors and instructors should undergo
thorough training.
10They should also be background checked, have
verifiable references and have had a criminal
records search.
11Is there a program in place to help kids overcome
homesickness?
12Homesickness is a normal part of adjusting to
camp for many children and staff should be
skilled
13 at helping kids overcome this (usually)
temporary sadness.
14Is it easy for you to communicate with the camp
regarding any concerns with your child?
15While many camps allow kids to call home only in
emergencies, you should be able to easily get in
touch with camp staff if you have any issues you
need to discuss.
16You should know youll be immediately contacted
if your youngster is sick or injured.
17Dont assume the camp is accredited. Do your own
background check and make sure the camp is
accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).
18This is generally a good indicator that the camp
will do its utmost to ensure your childs health,
happiness and safety.
19What is the ratio of counselors to campers? A
relatively low ratio is bestwith a
camper-to-staff ratio of about 10 to 1 being
optimum for kids 8-14 years of age.
20How safe does recreational equipment look?
21Everything should be well-maintained
Docks and diving boards
Rock climbing walls
Canoes and mountain bikes
22There should be sufficient supervision on the
waterfront at all times and safety gear in areas
like the high ropes course should be in top shape.
23Does the camp foster a sense of community among
campers and staff?
24Are kids encouraged to work as a team, to see the
other persons point of view and to treat each
other and staff with respect?
25Is there an official stance on bullying and
discipline?
26See for yourself.
27If at all possible, visit a camp while it is in
session. This way, you can see if the kids and
counselors seem engaged
28 and that counselors seem interested in
interacting with campers. This is the best way to
judge if the camp seems right for your child.
29Staff should be trained in CPR and first aid.
30Lifeguards should be certified and staff who lead
camping expeditions should have wilderness
certification.
Ask if there is a nurse or other medical staff
on-site or if a hospital or clinic is nearby.
31Counselors and instructors should be chosen for
their integrity and character as well as
personality. Find out if there are specific
training programs and what these are.
32What is the return rate at the camp among both
campers and staff? A good return rate is around
50 indicating the camp is well-managed
33 and can preserve the traditions so important to
creating a sense of bonding and community among
campers.
34Is the program itself exciting and well-rounded?
In a traditional-style camp, there should be a
range of activities to engage campers
35 so that every child can not only enjoy favorite
activities but can experiment with new and
exciting challenges.
36If you're considering sending your child to an
overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site
to learn about Camp Walt Whitman.
37Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire,
Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing
environment in a beautiful mountain setting.
38Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate
areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast,
and make friendships that can last a lifetime.
39www.campwalt.com
40Camp Walt Whitman 1000 Cape Moonshine
Rd Piermont, NH 03779 603-764-5521 cww_at_campwalt.co
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