When the weather starts changing and the air takes on a new, warm energy– you know summer is on its way!
It’s estimated that around six million kids head off to summer camps each year, so it’s clear that having a fun and educational summer is a top priority for many families.
Whether it’s the fun activities, like hiking and canoeing, or the peace and quiet for parents that make camps so popular, it’s always important to be responsible about the place your child will spend the summer. Even if their best friend is going to Camp A, do your research and maybe you’ll find out that Camp B is a better fit for your child.
The USA Camp Association is here to help you make that choice. When it comes to picking the right summer camp for kids, it’s our goal to make connecting parents with the right summer camp a walk in the park.
Trusting the USA Camp Association
The USA Camp Association has a history of helping parents make great choices when it comes to picking their child’s camp! We have over 2500 camps to select from, giving you a wide variety of summer camp for kids to match up with!
The USA Camp Association knows that each child has individual needs and talents, meaning the camp they spend the summer at has to be a match. We’ve all seen the trope of the child miserable at summer camp again and again in movies– it’s our goal to keep that in the big screen, and help provide your child with a positive experience they’ll remember for years to come.
Finding the perfect summer camp for kids match for your child
There are about 10,000 summer camps in the US and most (70%) are family owned, making the task of finding the perfect one seem daunting.
It’s important to remember that summer camps can increase your child’s self-confidence, social and separation skills, and offer them an opportunity to take on challenges they may have been afraid of before!
In fact, it was shown that 74% of young campers took on a challenge they were afraid of (like rock climbing and heights) and that 63% of them kept up that hobby once they returned home!
What’s their history?
Finding out the history of a summer camp is one of the most important parts of the selection process. If the camp has a long history, it’s likely that they have longstanding traditions that your child can enjoy.
Safety procedures and communication are most likely to be better developed as well, but don’t overlook newer camps!
What’s their focus?
Different camps incorporate different values into their communities and activities. Camps can be focused on sports, arts, music, math, and leadership to reflect the different lifestyles of the children attending.
If your child enjoys their exploring the outdoors, an art-focused summer camp may not be the best choice– but there is always something for every child!
What are the attendance statistics?
One great thing to look at are the attendance statistics of each camp.
Keep in mind that overnight camps should have a 1:6 return ratio for children aged 7-8, and 1:8 for children aged 9-14. Day camps should average 1:8 for children 6-8 and 1:10 for 9-14.
Warning Signs to look out for:
Parents should always be vigilant of where their child is staying, whether it’s an overnight or day camp. Just as we look into the schools, clubs, and daycares they attend, asking the right questions when it comes to your child’s summer camp is important.
Your camp officers should be prepared to answer questions like:
- What is the daily schedule?
- How is staff selected and trained?
- What are the safety, medical, and emergency procedures?
- What type of food is served? (Is there accommodation for children with special nutritional needs?)
- How is conflict handled?
- Does my child need money?
- Do children have access to their phones or the internet?
Other than asking the right questions, there are plenty of warning signs to keep an eye out for:
- No keys or security codesMaintaining proper security at a children’s summer camp requires the property and housing to be secured. If there is no key, code, or ID system in place to regulate who comes and goes, be wary.
- CleanlinessSure, a place where children are outdoors most of the day might not be the cleanest place, but looking out for obvious signs of neglect is important. If the bedding, eating areas, and restrooms look dirty, you may want to avoid placing your child into that situation.Even if the camp looks clean, it’s important to look into the pest control that the camp provides. Bedding should be clean and free of bed bugs, lice, and ticks to keep your child happy and healthy!
- The staff is friendlyMaking sure that the staff is friendly and understands the needs of your child is integral to ensuring that your child has the best summer camp experience possible.Friendly staff not only make the transition into being away from home easily, but they can facilitate new friendships between campers, draw interest into new activities, and become a confidante for even the shyest child.Having friendly staff also provides your child with a positive role model to look up to. If the camp has particularly great return ratios, it’s likely that your child’s camp counselor attending the camp when they were the same age!
What should excite you?
Giving your child a chance to grow as an independent individual is an exciting opportunity!
Parents should be excited that their child will be able to make lasting memories, try new activities, and make lifelong friends all in just a few months. Children who attend a summer camp for kids can take a break from the indoor-life of the school year and simply be a kid!
When it comes to getting your child to the best summer camp for them, contact the USA Camp Association to get the ball rolling! We’re here to make sure your child has the best summer experience possible, and we’re available through Twitter, phone, and email!