Questions to Ask the Camp Director
When you're looking for a camp, every item you
can think to ask about is important. Before you talk with a
director, make a list of questions. If possible, try to visit the
camp when it is in operation before you make your final selection.
This will give you and your child the opportunity to see the
programs and philosophy of the camp in action. Here are important
items to consider when you meet with the camp staff. Some of these
questions come from the American Camping Association's Guide to
ACA-Accredited Camps. Many of the answers are based on the
American Camping Association's standards program.
What is the background of the director? The
camp's director should possess a bachelor's degree, have completed
in-service training within the past three years and have at least
16 weeks of camp administrative experience before assuming the
responsibilities of director.
What is the camp's philosophy? Many camps
promote competition and healthy rivalry among camp teams, as
reflected in team sports. For many this is pure fun. Some parents
feel learning to be competitive at an early age teaches essential
survival skills. However, other parents and educators are in favor
of cooperative learning. Noncompetitive methods have been shown to
encourage young people to learn more, retain it longer, and
develop greater self-esteem and appreciation for others. Knowing
your child's personality and learning style is valuable in
selecting the right approach.
What is the ratio of counselors to campers? The
ratio should be based on the ages of the children and must take
into account the special needs of the campers. For severely
mentally disabled campers, a ratio of one staff to one camper is
required. For non-disabled resident campers, ratios can range from
one staff for every six campers ages 6 to 8; one staff for every
eight campers ages 9 to 14; and one staff for every ten campers
ages 15 to 18. For day camps the ratios are: one staff for every
eight campers ages 6 to 8; one staff for every 10 campers ages 9
to 14; and one staff for every 12 campers ages 15 to 18.
What is the transportation system? Campers are
usually transported by vans or buses. Find out what type of
vehicles are used and how often they are inspected by qualified
mechanics. Ask the director to describe the camp's driver training
and ongoing safety awareness programs.
What are the ages of the counselors? Among the
counseling/program staff, 80 percent or more should be 18 years or
older. Any counselor under 18 must be at least two years older
than the camper they are supervising.
What percentage of the staff return each year?
Some staff turnover is natural due to college graduation, etc.
Most camps have between 40 and 60 percent of staff return each
year. If the rate is lower, find out why.
What percentage of the campers return each year?
While every camp is clearly not right for every person, a large
number of returning campers usually indicates a high level of
satisfaction with the camp's programming and operation.
How are special needs handled? If your child has
special requirements, ask about provisions and facilities. Is
there a nurse? A designated place to store insulin or allergy
medicine?
Are references available? Generally, this is one
of the best techniques of checking on a camp's reputation and
service record. Directors of ACA-Accredited Camps are happy to
provide references.
Is the camp accredited by the American Camping
Association? Many of the questions above, plus some 300 more, are
answered before a camp can become accredited by the American
Camping Association. Every camp which displays the ACA-Accredited
Camp logo is committed to the highest operating standards for the
industry. These standards were first established in the late 1930s
and are continually updated to reflect the current consensus of
camp professionals on practices and procedures considered basic to
a quality camp experience. ACA-Accredited Camps are visited at
least once every three years by a team of two or more trained camp
professionals. These professionals compare the camp's operation,
while it is in session, with the industry's standards.
By selecting an ACA-Accredited Camp, you can be
assured that many important questions have been asked and answered
appropriately.
You can find a complete list of ACA-Accredited
Camps in the Guide to ACA-Accredited Camps. This helpful
publication can be delivered to your home for $10.95, plus
shipping and handling, by calling the ACA Bookstore at
1-800-428-CAMP. For more information, visit the American Camping
Association, online at www.ACAcamps.org.
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