KidSource Calendar/Summer Camp

Resources for Parents

Summer camp provides a terrific opportunity for your child to discover new interests and talents. Read more.

If your child has a behavior disorder, read the article Outdoor Education for Behavior Disordered Students.

This Remembering Summer Camp article helps by showing how to capture those wonderful camp memories.

Ideally, the time to check out various camps is a full year ahead. Be as thorough as possible in your research; you want your child to have a positive experience.

Check out the NICHCY Directories of Summer Camps For Children With Disabilities.

According to the American Camping Association , children 6 to 8 years old should have a ratio of 1 staff for every 6 campers. For those 9 to 14 years old, it's 1 staff for every 8 campers. And for those 15 to 18, 1 staff for every 10 campers.**

Always present the idea of camp in a positive manner, never in a threatening way or so that it's viewed as punishment.

Preschoolers aren't too young for a day camp, but it should be half-day only.

If a bus picks up the campers, check for safety factors such as seat belts, age of campers on the bus, and amount of supervision. (Having preschoolers ride a bus with 13-year-olds might not make a good mix.)

Be creative--enjoy some stress-free summer activities without actually sending your child to camp!

If your child isn't sure he or she really wants to attend camp, see if a friend will sign up, too.

Determine what your child wants to get out of camp, and what you want him or her to get out of it. Make sure the expectations are realistic.

The first year of attending camp might be half days for two weeks. You can increase the duration from that starting point.

Your child might want to focus on just one activity such as tennis, arts and crafts, or theatre. Numerous camps specialize in one area, others include a variety of activities.

If you think your child is ready for an overnight camp, you might consider a weekend camp rather than a week-long one to start with.

Be sure to ask details about what's included in the cost of camp. Are field trips included? Supplies? T-shirts and sporting equipment? Whether they are or aren't isn't as important is knowing, so you're not caught unaware.

If you go out of town while your child is at camp, but sure the camp director knows how to reach you.

When looking into camps, don't forget to ask about the following:

- staff training
- accreditation
- health & safety precautions
- # of yrs in operation
- referrals from campers **

Here are a few more things to ask about:

- daily schedule
- rainy day schedule
- pool safety, lifeguard availability
- emergency procedures
- medication (allergy, etc.) **

Some camps allow mail and/or care packages. Find out what's encouraged, and be sure to do it. Nothing worse than sitting at mail call and being the only one not to get mail.

If your child has dietary restrictions, be sure to talk with the camp director ahead of time about how to accommodate those special needs.

Many high school athletes continue to practice with their teams during the summer. If you really want to attend camp but don't want to demoted to junior varsity, talk with your coach about ways to stay in shape and make the most of your summer.

Find additional information in the article Summer Camp Information on the Web. This has a lot of info on camps for the disabled.

If your child really wants to go to camp but you're having difficulties financing it, ask about scholarship opportunities at the camps you're pursuing.

For older teens, consider a work week helping to build homes in an impoverished area, or going on an archeological dig.

Interested in helping a youngster have wonderful camp memories? Think about becoming a camp counselor!

Help your child to know that it's OK to be a little homesick. Send letters with him or her, and spend some time role playing ahead of time.

** = Information taken from Summer Fun: The Parents' Complete Guide to Day Camps, Overnight Camps, Specialty Camps, and Teen Tours by Marian Edelman Borden.