Here’s some must-ask questions when you come for your tour:

#1. WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE GROUPS? WHO IS WATCHING MY CHILDREN? Find out the structure of the Camp: how big are the groups, how many counselors, how many kids in each activity, etc. Learn who the counselors report to and how communication flows. There shouldn’t be too many children under the supervision of any one counselor, nor too many counselors/campers under the supervision of any one administrator.

#2. GET A FEEL FOR THE PLACE.  Even in the winter, the facility should give you a positive, warm feeling. Is there a pool or a lake? Adequate athletic fields? Shade from the sun? Grass & trees? Is the size of the facility age-appropriate for your children? Are the facilities scrunched together or spaced far apart? Where do the kids go when it rains, or when it’s 100+ degrees? Is the facility clean and manicured? Safe? How much does the Camp invest in its facilities? What’s been built or rebuilt recently? While Camp is certainly not about “stuff ” – You need to have a good feel for the place you want to call your children’s “home away from home.”

#3. LENGTH OF STAY, AND HOURS OF THE DAY? How many weeks of Camp do you want for your child – two weeks, or all summer? What time does it start? When can you drop/pick up your kids? Are there early and late options? Find what fits your specific childcare needs and session length flexibility.

#4. MAKE SURE YOU MEET THE CAMP DIRECTOR. Just like any organization – from the feel of the camp and the way people treat each other, to the enthusiasm and overriding philosophy – all starts from the top. So while you may meet many camp employees on your visit, do your best to meet the owner/director, and any of the other director-level folks, as they will be your best barometer on how the rest of the staff will be. Ask them why they do what they do. Figure out if they are the kind of youth development professionals you want caring for and teaching your children.

#5. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN… What happens when it’s super hot outside? What about when the Liquid Sunshine rolls in? How do all the kids get changed to go to the pool? How do they eat lunch? What happens if your child gets injured? From basic protocols to emergency planning, the camp should have some good answers to these important questions – as they are taking care of your most precious cargo!