Today finding the right summer camp is no easy task. Because, none of the SUMMER CAMPS meet the needs of all children. Finding that special place for your child should be a matter of careful research and encourage your child's involvement. Enclosed are a few helpful hints.
Religious Affiliated or Secular? You may decide to limit your search to programs affiliated with your families religion. These types of camps generally incorporate a religious component, while still offering regular camping activities. Be sure to ask how religious components are included in their daily and weekly program. Some camps limit the religious component to holidays, while others include daily prayers as part of the camp day and choose only to celebrate holidays particular to that religion. You may want to ask if the camp will celebrate Independence Day. Although this is a national holiday, some more religiously observant camps choose to de-emphasize it.
American Camp Association: Regardless of who runs the day camp program you should make sure they are A.C.A. Accredited. The ACA is an independent association that is responsible for the accrediting of summer camp programs. Of the 1000's of camps in existence less than 25% meet the rigid standards ACA accreditation verifies that a camp has complied with up to 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality, which are recognized by courts of law and government regulators. ACA-accreditation standards cover all aspects of camp operation from site/food service and health care to management and staffing. The American Camp Association collaborates with experts from The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure that current practices at ACA-accredited camps reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Accreditation is a parent's best evidence of a camp's commitment to health and safety. ACA accreditation assures parents that the camp has had a regular, independent safety audit that goes beyond regulations in most states. Parents can (and should) verify the accreditation status of any camp at any time. This may be accomplished through ACA's Web site at www.ACAcamps.org (Click on Find A Camp!) or by calling 800-428-CAMP.
What About Friends? Should at-home friends go to the same camp? Going to camp with a close friend can lessen pre-camp jitters and to some extent, lessen homesickness, but when best friends are bunkmates, it can complicate adjustment to camp. Some things to consider are: * Friendships may not be able to survive the effects of living together 24 hours a day. * An old friendship can limit the development of new relationships.* If one child is having more trouble adjusting, the other may feel responsible for 'taking care' of her friend and ensuring her happiness.* Jealousy can develop if one camper begins to bond with others, leaving her friend out.* It's important to ask the camp what they do to help new campers feel comfortable.
Pick the Best dSummer Camp at a FREE service filled with camp information for parents. - 31376
Religious Affiliated or Secular? You may decide to limit your search to programs affiliated with your families religion. These types of camps generally incorporate a religious component, while still offering regular camping activities. Be sure to ask how religious components are included in their daily and weekly program. Some camps limit the religious component to holidays, while others include daily prayers as part of the camp day and choose only to celebrate holidays particular to that religion. You may want to ask if the camp will celebrate Independence Day. Although this is a national holiday, some more religiously observant camps choose to de-emphasize it.
American Camp Association: Regardless of who runs the day camp program you should make sure they are A.C.A. Accredited. The ACA is an independent association that is responsible for the accrediting of summer camp programs. Of the 1000's of camps in existence less than 25% meet the rigid standards ACA accreditation verifies that a camp has complied with up to 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality, which are recognized by courts of law and government regulators. ACA-accreditation standards cover all aspects of camp operation from site/food service and health care to management and staffing. The American Camp Association collaborates with experts from The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure that current practices at ACA-accredited camps reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Accreditation is a parent's best evidence of a camp's commitment to health and safety. ACA accreditation assures parents that the camp has had a regular, independent safety audit that goes beyond regulations in most states. Parents can (and should) verify the accreditation status of any camp at any time. This may be accomplished through ACA's Web site at www.ACAcamps.org (Click on Find A Camp!) or by calling 800-428-CAMP.
What About Friends? Should at-home friends go to the same camp? Going to camp with a close friend can lessen pre-camp jitters and to some extent, lessen homesickness, but when best friends are bunkmates, it can complicate adjustment to camp. Some things to consider are: * Friendships may not be able to survive the effects of living together 24 hours a day. * An old friendship can limit the development of new relationships.* If one child is having more trouble adjusting, the other may feel responsible for 'taking care' of her friend and ensuring her happiness.* Jealousy can develop if one camper begins to bond with others, leaving her friend out.* It's important to ask the camp what they do to help new campers feel comfortable.
Pick the Best dSummer Camp at a FREE service filled with camp information for parents. - 31376
About the Author:
Lonnie Lorenz is the director of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional coed overnight Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature, animals & science along with traditional camping activities. Swift specializes in programs for the First Time Camper. as well as Teen Summer Adventure Camp.
