Summer Camps: How to Pick the Winners
By Chris Barrett, Publisher/Managing Editor
So you’ve procrastinated and delayed.
Now the end of school looms and you need to make plans fast. But if
you’re new to the world of summer camps, how can you tell the great ones
from the mediocre ones? And how do you go about winnowing your list?
When to Start?
If you’re just beginning your search for summer camps now, you are
likely in for some disappointment. Many parents begin making their
summer camp schedules and reservations as early as March and many of the
most popular camps filled up in early April. If you’ve started late this
year, mark your 2009 calendar with a reminder to get your summer camp
plans in order beginning in March.
Patchwork or Predictable?
The first major distinction among camps is timeframe. Some camps run all
summer long – from the end of one school year to the beginning of the
next – with only occasional short breaks, such as for Independence Day
holiday. If your budget is an issue, your best bet may be to check with
a YMCA or local recreational center run by your city or county for their
summer-long program. Another great opportunity that is available all
summer long (and even for shorter time periods) is the Westchase
Community Association’s summer camp packages. Located at the Westchase
Swim and Tennis Center, the camp features full or half-day opportunities
that combine swimming, tennis and even field trips.
If your child craves regular change, a patchwork approach of summer camp
opportunities will allow kids a different experience every few weeks.
This approach, however, requires greater research, careful planning and
an eye toward budgeting. The summer camp bill can rise very quickly.
Narrowing the Scope
While a camp’s schedule and proximity to a parent’s commute
might make it seem more attractive than another, it’s wiser to
include your child when picking the summer camps in which he’ll
pass a good day of his waking hours. If you select a camp your
child ultimately despises, the potential disruption will soon
outweigh the initial advantages of the chosen camp’s schedule
and proximity. Remember, it’s your child’s summer; be sure to
let him in on the fun.
In selecting camps, first make a list of your child’s passions or
interests. Odds are good that there are local camps that cater to all of
them, whether they’re horseback riding, science, jewelry making,
computers, art or a particular sport. Acquire brochures of flyers from
possible camps, set a budget limit and ask your camper to help you set
the schedule.
Be sure to speak with their friends’ parents as well. Not only will your
children appreciate a friend in camp with them, having another working
parent willing to share carpool duties may make the summer camp commute
work better for everyone.
Schedules
Summer camp has to work around a number of schedules. If both parents’
work schedules provide for little flexibility, they’ll need a camp with
aftercare. Check to see whether the camps that have caught your eye
allow for early drop-off or late pick-up and what the additional fees
will be.
The second person a camp’s schedule needs to work around is the camper.
Be sure you understand a camp’s daily and weekly schedule before you
sign up. Will it provide a good fit for your child? Does the camp
provide a good balance of shade and rest to offset taxing activities in
the Florida sun? Be sure to inquire about what activities are provided
for campers who are dropped off early or who stay late. In fairness to
your child, pick a camp that provides structured and fun activities for
these time periods as well. After all, sitting around waiting is no way
to pass an afternoon and being parked in front of a TV and DVD player
with other kids is only marginally better than staying home in front of
the TV all summer.
Weather
In Florida, summer camps that feature outdoor activities and run through
the afternoon hours must have rain plans. Be sure to ask about them.
Does the camp fall back on arts and crafts or just turn on the TV? Do
they provide adequate, safe cover to protect their campers from
Florida’s frequent afternoon thunderboomers?
Staffing
Not all summer camps are created equal. Some rely heavily on high school
and college students to serve as counselors. Others, such as the summer
programs offered by teachers at local elementary schools, are staffed by
adults who are trained and licensed to work with kids. Be sure to
inquire about camp staffing to weigh whether you will be comfortable
with the quality of supervision, particularly for water activities.
To this end, be sure to inquire about child-staff ratios and compare
those of the camps you are considering. For ages 5 to 7, staff-to-camper
ratios should be lower than ratios for older campers. Of course, the
number of staff supervising kids in outdoor or athletic activities
should be higher than the number used for classroom settings. The number
of counselors and supervisors should be higher still for water
activities. If your camp does features water activities, be sure to ask
about safety training the camp conducts with their counselors.
Take the time to get to know your child’s camp counselors. Parental
involvement is key to ensuring better supervision. What is the camp
staff’s annual turnover rate? Is your counselor enthusiastic and
passionate or is he or she a clock puncher? If you’re not happy, request
a change. Keep the lines of communication open and inquire frequently
about your child’s participation. Knowing you will ask about your child
will prompt a counselor to pay closer attention to your camper. And if
your child is experiencing any problems or has health issues, be sure to
discuss them regularly with his or her counselor and the counselor’s
supervisor.
Camp Structure
Camps that attract dozens of children of different ages and skill levels
have to develop ways of managing the chaos and providing adequate
attention to individual campers. The best camps segregate campers into
age groups or skill levels. Doing so will help keep your camper safer
during group activities and will help keep frustration levels manageable
during competitive games.
Snack and Foods
The most careful and nutrition-conscious parents can find their food
planning for their child undermined by camps that provide only snack
foods or lunches that are high in fats and sugar. As part of your camp
selection, inquire about what foods will be served and encourage camp
directors to make healthier choices.
Presentations and Field Trips
Many summer camps – particularly those that run all summer long – try to
break up the day with presentations made by guests. Others vary the
week’s activities by offering field trips. Before you sign your camper’s
registration forms, take time to inquire about the planned presentations
and field trips. You may be surprised at the diligence one camp takes in
organizing these activities and the rather laid back approach another
will take.
Have Fun
Selecting your child’s summer camps is as important as choosing his or
her school. Take the time to pick just the right balance of fun,
supervision, safety – with a nod toward your child’s passions – and
you’ll help ensure your camper has the best summer yet!
