There are numerous options when it comes to choosing a camp that is right for both children and their parents. With smaller family sizes, financial constraints, and technology giving kids more do in the summer at home, camp programs have seen a decline in enrollment. Yet, according to the American Camping Association (ACA), more than 75 percent of camps in the U.S. have added new programs and activities to bring kids back into the fold. They hope to attract new campers with a wide array of specialized experiences including: performing arts, computers, magic, space science, weight loss, sports, fitness, and many others. There are for-profit and not-for profit camps, as well as religious and government- affiliated programs, giving parents no shortage of camping options.

With such a wide array of choices, parents need to do their homework. Of the many summer camp programs in the U.S., only 2,400 are accredited by the ACA. While the application is voluntary, the ACA requires that a camp program meets 300 health and safety standards to receive the designation.

According to Kristen M. Waterfield, president and CEO of The Malvern School, which also runs an ACA-accredited summer camp program, there is no regulation of summer camps in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. “While pre-schools are regulated by a government agency, summer camps are not, so it’s especially important to make sure parents ask the right questions before enrolling their children in camp,” she said.  “In addition to making sure they have the ACA accreditation, parents should also check to see if there is a full time medical staff person on board, a counselor-to-camper ratio of 1: 8, and 1:3 for the pool area. Also, they might want to ask about the training and experience of the counselors.”

Waterfield added that parents should check to see if the camp has the following: a Red Cross-certified swimming program; air-conditioned areas where kids can get away from the heat; water areas that are well staffed; and programs that are available for kids who may not be athletic or who need special attention. They should also ask if they can speak to a few parents about their children’s camp experience, and schedule a site visit, if necessary.

As the head of a private pre-school, Waterfield knows that young children are prone to experiencing some anxiety when they leave for summer camp for the first time. One of the best ways parents can help their children leave the structure of school behind, and embrace the relaxed atmosphere of summer, is by frequent communication. Waterfield, who began her career as an elementary school teacher, said that knowing what a child needs, and taking steps to meet those needs is crucial in helping them make the adjustment. “Every child is different. Some don’t do well in a less structured environment, and others may have issues with separation anxiety. Generally, it’s best to talk to your children about their fears, then create a game plan to tackle their particular issues,” said Waterfield.

Waterfield recommends some tips for helping children acclimate to summer camp. “I like taking young children to meet their counselor before camp starts; having the counselor assign them a buddy during the first week; encouraging them to write postcards to their friends over the summer; discussing the new bedtime rules and more relaxed schedules one week before camp starts; putting photos or favorite snacks in their camp bags; and spending time talking about how much fun the summer will be in the camp environment.”

For more information on how to choose a summer camp, visit www.acacamps.org or www.malvernschool.com.

The George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and the Malvern School created special programs to encourage young children to read based upon Mrs. Bush’s popular 1990’s radio show.

COLLEGE STATION, TX- NOV. 15—Learning to read at a young age has been one of the major precursors of success in life, according to many education experts. For the past two years, more than 3,000 pre-school children who attend the Malvern School in Pennsylvania and New Jersey have been living proof of the power of literacy. Each semester these pre-school children listen to Mrs. Bush reading some of the country’s best-loved children’s books, then work on activity plans that encourage their cognition and creativity. Read More >>

Coming Soon

New school locations on

Elton-Adelphia Road in Freehold and 128 S. Main Street in Marlboro

A new school in Freehold, NJ