HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A SUMMERCAMP?

How do we choose between summercamps?

The summer camp experience will have a lasting impact on the child, so there are a number of issues that should be seriously considered when choosing a summer camp. Some questions you should ask yourself are:

What do you and your child hope that they will get out of going to camp?
 
Is there a specific topic (religion, sports, and arts) that you hope they will gain ability and experience in?
 
Would it benefit your child if they interacted more with the opposite gender?

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If you have more than one child would they benefit from attending the same camp?

Summercamp Location

How far from you and for how long would your child be comfortable. If you think that your child may not be ready for sleepaway camp, choose a local one in case you end up making a late night pickup.
 
How much are you willing to pay? Four weeks at a good private sleep away camp will cost anywhere from $3500 to $6500, and eight weeks will range from $4000 to $7000. Non-profit camps often range from $1200 to $3000 for four weeks and $2500 to $5000 for eight weeks. Specialty camps can range from $500 to $1000 per week depending on the program. Take time to consider what you can reasonably afford.
 
Does your child have any special needs that need to be accommodated? While most summer camps are equipped for campers with disabilities, not all have staff trained to work with children with attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, or special medical problems.
 
Once you have narrowed the field to a few choices, another set of questions should help you choose which camp is the best one for your child.

• What is the director's age and background?
• How long has the director run this camp?
• What facilities does the camp have and how convenient are they for campers to get to?
• What is the camper-counselor ratio, age, and training required of the staff?
• What is the schedule like? Is it a structured program or one that emphasizes a lot of free choice?
• What percentage of campers return each year?
• Are there any extra costs that may arise, like equipment fees?
• How does the camp insure the safety and security of its campers?
• What medical facilities are available and what medical staff is on campus?
• Is there a refund policy if the camper leaves early?

These questions are a good starting point in your quest to find the right camp for your child. If you spend the time needed to research your options and include your child in the decision, he or she will most likely have a memorable experience that provides them opportunities to grow as a person, while having fun and making new friends.