When researching summer camps, there are a number of factors to consider, and each family will have specific aspects of a camp that are important to them. Camps do a great job of putting lots of information on their website and social media channels about the camp leadership team, camp program, activities, session length, cost and so much more. Here are a few questions that may not make it to the camp website but could be valuable to know when finalizing camp choices.
What type of child is happy at your camp?
Pick up the phone and ask the camp director to describe what type of child is happy and successful at the camp. Is the camp director describing your child? Be honest with yourself about who your child is and what they like to do before choosing a camp. Remember you are choosing a camp for who your child is, not who you want your child to be.
What are your communication policies?
Each camp handles communication over the summer differently, and there is no right or wrong policy; however, you do need to decide what’s comfortable for you. Some families want regular updates from the camp and may want a camp that sends out a daily email about all that happened that day. Other families are fine with emails from camp that are weekly or detail pertinent information such as visiting day details. Another communication question to ask is about the number of phone calls a camper will get each summer, how long you should expect it to take to receive a return phone call or email, and how often the camp posts photos of campers.
How do you handle bullying or mean behavior in the bunk?
It’s good to understand how a camp handles conflict in the bunk and what the tolerance is for negative behaviors. Do campers sign a contract regarding behavior before the summer? Is there zero tolerance for bullying? What are the consequences for certain types of behavior at the camp you’re choosing?
Do you limit the number of campers from a certain town in a division?
One of the great things about camp is that you can go to camp not knowing anyone and form friendships easily. Sometimes, a camp may have a few kids from one town who come to camp with each other and this tight-knit group can make bonding with others a bit harder. Ask if the camp limits the number of kids from one town in a camp division and if they don’t, do they bunk kids separately or together?
Can my child start at your camp at an older age?
There is no right age to start camp; the best time to begin camp is when your child is ready. When choosing camp for a child on the older side, you may want to ask how long the other campers have been together and if it’s an easy group to break into. You can also ask how many new campers they will enroll for your child’s age group that year. It can be hard to be the only new child so you want to make sure your child can break in or that other new campers are starting as well.
How competitive is your camp?
It’s not always easy to understand the answer to this question from the activities offered. Find out how competitive the sports, color wars and other activities are. Ask yourself if your child thrives with the competition level being described or prefers a less competitive camp.
Does your camp have a mental health professional on staff or on call?
Camp is fun but it’s also real life where children experience anxiety or everyday issues that they need support with. Ask if the camp has a mental health professional on staff or on call should one be needed.
— For more than 14 years, Jess Michaels has worked for the American Camp Association, NY and NJ, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the summer camp experience. Jess loves everything about summer camp and has two daughters who spend their summers at camp.
