Thirteen Things To Look For When Choosing An Overnight Summer Camp

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WHEN CHOOSING AN
13 THINGS TO LOOK FOR
OVERNIGHT SUMMER CAMP
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Choosing 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
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for a big piece of the summer, and youll want
to be sure theyre safe, happy, having fun and
growing in positive ways.
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By keeping a few basic must-haves in mind, you
can sleep a little easier on those much quieter
summer nights.
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Safety is key.
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Its great when your kids have fun, but,
arguably, safety is the most important component
of a sleepaway experience.
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Are 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?
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Counselors and instructors should undergo
thorough training.
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They should also be background checked, have
verifiable references and have had a criminal
records search.
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Is there a program in place to help kids overcome
homesickness?
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Homesickness is a normal part of adjusting to
camp for many children and staff should be
skilled
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at helping kids overcome this (usually)
temporary sadness.
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Is it easy for you to communicate with the camp
regarding any concerns with your child?
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While 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.
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You should know youll be immediately contacted
if your youngster is sick or injured.
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Dont assume the camp is accredited. Do your own
background check and make sure the camp is
accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).
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This is generally a good indicator that the camp
will do its utmost to ensure your childs health,
happiness and safety.
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What 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.
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How safe does recreational equipment look?
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Everything should be well-maintained
Docks and diving boards
Rock climbing walls
Canoes and mountain bikes
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There 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.
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Does the camp foster a sense of community among
campers and staff?
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Are kids encouraged to work as a team, to see the
other persons point of view and to treat each
other and staff with respect?
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Is there an official stance on bullying and
discipline?
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See for yourself.
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If at all possible, visit a camp while it is in
session. This way, you can see if the kids and
counselors seem engaged
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and that counselors seem interested in
interacting with campers. This is the best way to
judge if the camp seems right for your child.
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Staff should be trained in CPR and first aid.
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Lifeguards 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.
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Counselors 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.
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What 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
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and can preserve the traditions so important to
creating a sense of bonding and community among
campers.
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Is the program itself exciting and well-rounded?
In a traditional-style camp, there should be a
range of activities to engage campers
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so that every child can not only enjoy favorite
activities but can experiment with new and
exciting challenges.
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If you're considering sending your child to an
overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site
to learn about Camp Walt Whitman.
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Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire,
Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing
environment in a beautiful mountain setting.
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Our 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.
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www.campwalt.com
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Camp Walt Whitman 1000 Cape Moonshine
Rd Piermont, NH 03779 603-764-5521 cww_at_campwalt.co
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