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By: Kari Wuhrer on Tue Apr 22, 2008

There are so many different types of camps available for kids this summer, from day camps to sports camps like basketball camp, baseball camp, art camp, golf camp, gymnastics camp, lacrosse camp to activity camps like film camp and math camp and science camp; to religious camps like Christian camps, Catholic camps, Jewish camps, and Muslim camps; from special needs camps and arts camps and yes, even space camp. I’m tired just listing them, and chances are, after you’ve sorted through all of the summer camping options for your little one or little ones this year, you’ll be exhausted, too. With that in mind, I’ve put together some guidelines to help choose a summer camp. These are the questions that my husband and I ask every spring before we decide what camp to send Ashley and Alexis.


Is the camp accredited?
The American Camping Association is an over 100 year old non-profit organization that currently accredits over 2400 camps on the basis of up to 300 quality standards, covering health, safety and the programs offered. www.acacamps.org

In Canada, accreditation is offered by the Canadian Camping Association, an umbrella organization that works with provincial camping organizations. Like Canada itself, the powers of the core are strongly devolved to the provinces, and while many similarities between the provincial standards do exist, there are some differences. A list of accredited camps and information about provincial standards are available on the CCA website. www.ccamping.org

Are you comfortable with the religious affiliation of the camp?
If you’re sending your child along to a camp on the recommendation of her or his friends, it’s a good idea to do your research to find out exactly what the focus of the camp is, and if it fits with your own ideals.

How long has the camp been in operation?
This isn’t necessarily fool-proof and the age of a summer camp should not be your only criteria for selection, but a camp that’s been around for some time has an institutional history that’s hard to replicate even in the most strictly run camps.

Are there adequate healthcare and first aid facilities and services?
Because camping often takes place miles and possibly hours away from most hospitals and immediate paramedic access, it’s very important that a camp has a well-structured system to deal with healthcare and first aid emergencies. Consult the website, or speak to the camp directors – do the counselors have first aid training? Can they accommodate special needs campers? Is the camp insured, and what’s the extent of the policy?

What’s the staff to camper ratios
The following ratios are the ACA’s recommendations for summer camp counselors to campers.

Sleep-over Camp
Ages 7 to 8: 1:6 (one staff member for every 6 campers)
Ages 9 to 14: 1:8
Ages 15 to 17: 1:10

Day Camp
Ages 6 to 8: 1:8 (one staff member for every 8 campers)
Ages 9 to 14: 1:10
Ages 15 to 17: 1:12

Are the staff trained?
Ensure that staff members are properly trained. Any camp will be able to tell you. It’s highly recommended that staff receive training in emergency procedures, safety, communication, behavior management, child abuse prevent, and first aid. What specific training have staffers received and what are the qualifications necessary to become camp counselors? What’s the average age of a camp counselor? Have the staff been screened with criminal record and background checks? What percentage of the staff returns annually?

What’s for dinner?
Kids are notoriously picky eaters, and sometimes in the confusion of a camp cafeteria where a handful of staff members are trying to feed many children, a dietary restriction that a child is trying to observe can be taken as typical childish reticence on her or his part… Especially in the case of a child’s first camping experience. Don’t expect that your child will be able to properly articulate her or his dietary needs and restrictions. Ensure that you speak to the camp staff beforehand and make it clear exactly what your child can or can not have. Even if your child will eat anything, you might want to take a look at the meal plan to ensure that your loved one isn’t binging on starches and sweets for a week during summer camp!

What are the facilities like?
Camping is an all-encompassing term, and it can include a camp that has a heated pool and internet access to the more rustic of cabins or tents and no plumbing. Make sure you know what you’re getting your little one into! Even if she or he is gung-ho to rough it, a rustic camping experience for her or his first time might be traumatic.

Cost & Value?
Finally, what are you being charged for the camping experience? Skimping on a camp isn’t a good idea, but sometimes you’re paying a premium for location, when a camp that’s further away might have more to offer your child.

Summer camping is a pivotal and exciting experience for any child, and while there will be some moments of homesickness (especially for first time campers) and you’ll certainly miss your little ones, it’s rewarding and enriching enough to justify a little growing pains. Here’s hoping that this summer season you find a great camp for your children!