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Top 10 Questions Parents Must Ask About Camp

Mar 11, 2020 | by editor | Uncategorized
  1. WHAT ARE THE GROUP SIZES? WHO IS WATCHING MY CHILDREN? Find out the structure of the Camp: how many kids in a group, how many counselors, how many kids in each activity, etc. 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. LLDC prides itself on small groups and great ratios!
  2. WHAT DOES “ACA ACCREDITED” MEAN? The American Camp Association (ACA) standards are much more strict than local regulations, so as to ensure the highest quality supervision, safety and facility that parents want for their children. There are 12,000 “summer programs” in America, but only 2500 ACA Camps. You can find the best camps in the country directly through the ACA website (find.acacamps.org).  Liberty Lake owner/director, Andy Pritikin, served as ACA President, and is the leading spokesperson for the camp industry.
  1. LENGTH OF STAY, AND HOURS OF THE DAY? Families should be able to get what they need when it comes to their specific childcare needs. How many weeks of Camp do you want for your child – two weeks or all summer? (LLDC offers 3-8 weeks) What time does it start? When can you drop off/pick up your kids? Are there Early and Late options? (LLDC’s hours are 7am-6pm)
  2. WHAT DETERMINES PRICE? There are Camps for every budget. Some offer extensive programs with mature, experienced staff, and lots of amenities – and a heftier price tag. Other camps can be an affordable alternative – but find out about younger staff, less programming and amenity choices. What are the discounts offered, what is the refund policy, and what are ALL the costs? If your family requires financial aid, there are many non-profit camps with scholarship programs, as well as state and county agencies which offer support.
  3. WHAT IS THE CAMP’S PHILOSOPHY? Is it childcare? Is it ‘fun?’ The best camps have an overriding vision/mission that guides them. Does the camp provide children with an experience that teaches integrity and ethics? How do they integrate all the wonderful stuff they tout into their camp program, the camp day, and hence into your child?
  4. WHO ARE THEIR STAFF? Who is directly interacting with your child? If it’s primarily middle-school and high school students, that is something to be concerned about. The best Camps have teachers and college students running their programs, with high school students only assisting. Who runs the activities? How much staff training do they receive before and during the summer? Do they mentor and evaluate the staff during the season? What percentage of the staff are former campers? **Very Important: Meet the Camp Director and speak with them in person – it’s their personality and philosophy that trickles down to the rest of the Camp staff.
  5. WHAT’S THE PROGRAM? Camp is about experiencing things that your child wouldn’t normally get to do at home or at school. They may discover a discipline that they end up enjoying for the rest of their life – like guitar lessons, archery, boating, fishing, animal care, singing, acting or even martial arts! Find a mix that fits your child’s interests. Is there a diverse mix of activities? Daily swim instruction? Not sure? Ask!
  6. WHAT ARE THE FACILITIES LIKE? Even in the winter, the facility should give you a positive, warm feeling. Is there swimming- where? 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.’
  7. WHAT ABOUT AMENITIES FOR MY KIDS + FAMILY? These extra amenities are very important to most working parents and can make a difference in the child’s Camp experience – as well as the parents. Bus Transportation: Is there early drop-off/late pickup? Early/Late buses? Is food service included? Healthy food? Can you make changes to your child’s schedule, such as changing weeks, or taking the bus some days but not others. Is there an app for communication? Some Camps even offer towel service and bathing suit laundering! 
  8. CAN I GET REFERENCES? ‘Word of mouth’ is by far the greatest factor in choosing a Camp for most people. So please talk with friends and other parents who attend the Camps you are considering, or ask the Camp if you can contact families from your area with like-aged children. In most cases, these parents will give you an excellent idea of the Camp, and either alleviate or validate your concerns.