Choosing a Summer Camp for Your Child 4/8/2010
Summer camps can offer wonderful growth and learning opportunities for children while they are on break from school. Parents not only have the task of choosing summer camps that most appropriately fit their children's interests, but also choosing summer camps that do so in the safest way possible. Choosing a summer camp program for your child involves some important research. Because the camp experience will have significant impact on your child's life, it’s important for parents to learn to choose a camp wisely.
The Idaho Statute Relating to Children's Camps
Under Idaho Code 39-1206, summer camp programs lasting less than 9 consecutive weeks are not required to be state licensed and are not state regulated. It is the responsibility of the parent to investigate the summer camps in which they are interested. Residential facilities for children that provide programs lasting 9 consecutive weeks or longer must be state licensed. These programs are licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare's Child Residential Care Licensing office in Boise. Dial 1-208-334-5700 and ask for a Child Care Licensing Specialist. To read Idaho Code 39-1206, Click Here.
Tips for Choosing a Summer Camp
- What is the director's age and background? How long has the director run this camp?
- What are the camp's goals and philosophy?
- What kind of camper is most likely to have a good experience at this camp?
- What facilities does the camp have and how convenient are they for campers to get to?
- What is the schedule like? Is it a structured program or one that emphasizes a lot of free choice?
- What is the camper-counselor ratio and what are the characteristics of most of the staff?
- What kind of staff training is provided?
- What percentage of campers return each year?
- What is the total cost of the camp including extras?
- What are the sleeping arrangements and what toilet and shower facilities exist?
- What is the swimming instruction program like?
- How does the camp insure the safety and security of its campers?
- What is the food like and who prepares it?
- What is the policy about food packages, letters home, TV, trips to town, and to forth?
- What medical facilities are available and what medical staff is on campus?
- Is there a refund policy if the camper leaves early?
- Will the director supply references?
- What happens when the weather is bad?
- How does the camp program meet individual needs and differences?
- What kind of insurance coverage is there?
- Does the camp conduct background checks of staff including those done by law enforcement agencies?
Get More Information about Summer Camps
The National Camp Association Online, go to: www.summercamp.org or by phone, dial 1-800-966-CAMP (2267).
MySummerCamps.com - www.mysummercamps.com
KidsCamps.com - www.kidscamps.com
YMCA Youth Camps and Programs - www.ymcatvidaho.org
Girl Scouts - www.girlscouts-ssc.org
Boy Scouts - www.oreida-bsa.org
Treasure Valley Family 2009 Summer Camp Guide - www.treasurevalleyfamily.com