CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUMMER CAMP FOR KIDS

GLEN MILLS, PA. May 14–For anyone who has ever been to camp, there is nothing quite like the experience. From feeling a warm summer breeze while canoeing on the lake or singing camp songs on the bus—most kids remember their camp experience forever.
Today, there are more than 10 million children attending summer camp in the U.S., according the American Camping Association (ACA).
Just like choosing a private school, or finding the best public school, parents need to do their homework. Of the many summer camp programs in the U.S., only 2,400 are accredited by the American Camping Association. While the application is voluntary, the ACA requires that a camp program meet 300 health and safety standards to receive the designation.
Fortunately, there are plenty of choices when it comes to choosing a camp that is right for both children and their parents. With smaller family sizes, and technology giving kids more to do in the summer at home, camp programs have seen a decline in enrollment. According to the ACA, more than 75 percent of camps in the U.S. have added new programs and activities to bring kids back into the fold, and attract new campers. There are a wide array of specialized experiences including performing arts, computers, magic, space science, weight loss, sports and fitness, and many others. There are for profit and not-for-profit camps, as well as religious and government- affiliated programs, giving parents and kids no shortage of possible choices.
According to Kristen M. Waterfield, president and COO of the Malvern School, which also runs an ACA-accredited summer camp program, it is important for parents to do their homework before enrolling their children in summer camp, whether it be a day camp or overnight program. “While pre-schools, like the Malvern School are regulated by a government agency, summer camps are not, so it’s especially important to make sure you ask the right questions before enrolling your child,” she said. “For example, 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 one- to-eight, and one-to-three for the pool area. Also, they might want to ask about the training and experience of the counselors.”
Waterfield said some other questions parents should ask before making their summer camp decisions include: is there is a Red Cross-certified swimming program; air-conditioned areas where kids can get away from the heat; are the water areas well staffed; can you bring your child in for a site visit and talk to the camp director; are programs available for kids who may not be athletic or need special attention; and can parents have access to parent evaluations and testimonials?
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Waterfield added that for young children, leaving the security of home to go to summer camp for the first time can be the cause of anxiety. “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,” she said. Waterfield, who began her career as an elementary school teacher, believes that knowing what a child needs, and taking steps to meet those needs, will help them make the adjustment from school-to-camp. “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, and then create a game plan to tackle their particular issues.”
Waterfield recommends some steps for helping children acclimate to camp such as, taking them to meet their counselor before camp starts, having the counselor assign them a buddy during the first week, discussing the new bedtime rules and more relaxed schedules one week before camp begins, 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.

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“As Seen In The Art of Living Well Magazine, October 2011 Edition”