1. What’s the camp’s Purpose? Is it Sports? Is it Traditional? Os it Science? Are you comfortable with this ? Is it a good fit for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? Do you want religious observances or practices? Try to understand all parts of the program
2. How does the camp recruit, screen and train its staff? Do counselors have criminal background checks? First aid training? Drug Testing?
3. What about return rates? How many counselors are returning this year? The ACA says at most camps, 50 percent of the staff returns. If the number you’re given is lower, ask why. How many campers return? Fifty percent is good, and more is better. Still looking for that perfect camp Check out this Summer Camps Minnesota
4. What’s the ratio of counselors to campers? ACA guidelines for overnight camps call for a 1:6 ratio for ages 7 and 8, 1:8 for ages 9-14; and 1:10 for ages 15-18. Day camp guidelines call for 1:8 for children ages 6-8; 1:10 for children ages 9-14; and 1:12 for ages 15-18.
5. How old are the counselors? The ACA recommends that 80 percent of the staff be 18 or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise.
6. What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby? The ACA recommends that an overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access. If your child takes medication, has food allergies or a chronic medical condition, be sure you are comfortable that the camp will be able to handle your child’s needs.
7. How does the camp Punish and Discipline? Know what your camp’s rules are and what breaches would send a camper home. You should be comfortable with these.
8. What does a camp Day look like? This will help you decide if your child will be happy with the level of physical activity or the amount of time devoted to arts and crafts. Ask how much freedom a child has to choose activities.
9. How does the camp provide transportation? How often are the van inspected? Who is driving, what’s the training.
10. Ask for references. Finally and most important, get the names of parents with children the same age who have attended the camp.
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Swift Nature Camp is a Youth Summer Camps for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional summer camp activities with Science Summer Camps that increases a child’s appreciation for nature, science and the environment.
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