Camp Selection Checklist

The following is a camp selection checklist for parents to consider when considering summer camp opportunities for their kids:

1. Identify the camp's program emphasis. Every camp has a different philosophy and program emphasis. Some camps promote structured group activities, while others give campers more individualized freedom to pick and choose the individual activities that appeal to them. Some camps offer strictly traditional activities, while others may focus exclusively on sports, drama, or surfing. Or, maybe your child would flourish in a competitive camp environment whereas another child would be better off participating in non-competitive camp activities. By knowing your child's personality, interests, personality traits, and learning style, you can better identify the right camp for you.

2. Confirm that the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association. In order to earn accreditation by the American Camp Association (ACA), camps must comply with up to 300 best-practice industry standards relating to camper health, safety and program matters important to a camp's operation.

3. Ask about the camp director's background. To ensure that the camp director is qualified, make sure they meet the minimum standards set by the ACA. Such standards recommend that camp directors hold a bachelor's degree, have in-depth experience in camp administration, and performed in-service training during the last three years.

4. Camper-to-counselor ratios. To make sure your child is getting the individual attention and supervision he or she needs for his or her age, compare the camp's counselor-to-camper ratio to ACA standards. For day camps, the general ratios range from 8:1 for 6, 7 and 8 year olds, to 10:1 for 9 to 14 year olds, and 12:1 for campers ages 15 to 17. For sleepaway camps, the general recommended ratio is 6:1 for 7 and 8 year olds, 8:1 for 9 to 14 year olds and 10:1 for campers ages 15 to 17.

SOURCE: http://www.helium.com/items/852407-how-to-find-a-good-summer-camp-for-your-child

ACA Accreditation Standards and Immunizations

The main purpose of the American Camp Association Accreditation program is to educate camp owners and directors in the administration of key aspects of camp operation, particularly those related to program quality and the health and safety of campers and staff. [MORE]

What factors should I consider when selecting summer camps?

PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY - Summer camps recognize that children thrive in different environments, which is why programming options will vary from camp to camp. These options can range from FULL CHOICE to STRUCTURED. Full choice summer programs will allow campers to select all of their activities. A structured summer camp will allow some elective activities, however campers generally follow a pre-determined schedule. [MORE]

How will I know when my child is ready for sleepaway camp?

Most families consider sleepaway summer camps for children 8 years and older. However, age is not the only factor in determining when a child is ready for sleepaway camp. Consider your child’s level of interest and desire to explore this summer camp option. Consider your child’s experiences away from home without you. Has your child slept out at a friend’s house or spent a weekend away from home? Always be positive and talk with your child about the benefits of going to sleepaway camp.

SOURCE: http://www.campexperts.com/FAQ.aspx#1

Help Your Kids Outsmart Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac at Camp

Attention parents of summer campers! The start of camp is right around the corner. You've selected the perfect camp, and now it's time to make sure your child heads off well prepared. While packing lists are filled with excellent information, there is a natural nuisance that sometimes gets overlooked in first aid planning yet often intrudes upon campers’ outdoor enjoyment: poison ivy. [MORE]

Fun-in-the-Sun Safety at Camp!

Children should come to camp equipped with a sunscreen that provides minimum SPF 30 protection.
Many camp activities take place in the shade saving "sun time" for water sports and field games.
Provide your child with clothing options that protect from harmful rays:

• Wear a hat with at least a 4-inch brim that circles the head or a flap that covers the neck.
• Use UV-rated sunglasses. Overexposure to UV rays may cause glaucoma.
• Send a long-sleeve shirt to camp. Remember, most cotton t-shirts have an SPF of 6-10 so they aren't good protection by themselves.
• Remind your child to put sunscreen on his or her torso, too!
  

Learn to recognize the signs of melanoma by using this ABCD Watch:

• Asymmetry-if folded in half, the skin mark doesn't match or is unequal in shape.
• Border-the area has a scalloped or poorly circumscribed border.
• Color Varies-the area has changed color or varies from one area to another. There may be shades of brown and black, or even red or blue.
• Diameter-the area is larger than 6mm (larger than the diameter of a pencil's eraser).

SOURCE: http://www.campparents.org/sunsafety.php

Understanding Bullying Within The Camp Setting

What is Bullying?

Bullying is aggressive behavior by a child or a group of children who take advantage of the power they have to hurt or intimidate others.

Bullying can take many forms:

• Verbal abuse including taunting, gossiping, mocking, name calling, dirty looks
• Physical abuse including hitting, pushing, shoving, kicking
• Organized social rejection including exclusion from activities or groups
• Public humiliation
• Threatening racist, religious, or sexist remarks
• Frightening acts

[MORE]

Kids and Healthy Lifestyles: How Camps Can Help

Many camps look for innovative, fun, tasty ways to provide healthy choices and decision-making skills to their campers and staff. Parents can adapt these tips to promote healthy eating and enjoy the results along with their children. [MORE]