School is almost out, and it’s time to think about summer camp.
Picking the best and safest place is difficult, given the thousands of choices. So why not let the Internet help? If you have bad memories of Camp Leaky Roof, you’ll be surprised to learn what’s out there today. Yes, there are traditional camps with activities like canoeing, swimming, arts and crafts, and other activities. But there are a slew of theme-oriented camps as well.
Before you start searching for a camp, check the National Camp Association (www.summercamp.org). It suggests that you make this a family decision.
Is your child ready for a residential camp? Or should you start with a day camp? Decide what you and your child hope to gain from the experience.
The National Camp Association site offers recommendations for camps. You’ll be asked to list the type or types of camps you like. However, there are no recommendations for day camps.
SummerCamps.com lets you browse both day and overnight camps. It breaks them down by adventure, tour and travel, sports, art, academic, technology, special needs, health and fitness, and military. Each category has a list of subcategories to further refine a search.
For example, say your son loves baseball and wants to hone his skills. Click on Baseball and Softball Camps listed under Sports Summer Camps. SummerCamps.com lists facilities throughout the world (but mostly the United States and Canada), along with descriptions. It also includes pertinent information such as a link to the camp’s website, whether it’s a day or overnight camp, whether it’s boys, girls or coed, and the cost.
But the list of camps, especially for popular activities, could be too extensive. Use the search function to narrow the location, price range, type, religious affiliation (if any) and gender.
Other websites that offer this type of information include CampPage (www.camppage.com), Camp Search (www.campsearch.com) and Peterson’s Summer Camps and Opportunities (www.petersons.com/summerop).
Undoubtedly, sending your child away can be a frightening experience for both of you. Elegant websites and glowing testimonials from former participants and their parents may not be enough to soothe frayed nerves.
Ask the camp if it’s licensed. Some states require licensing. To be licensed, camps must meet certain standards for health and sanitation, number of campers per counselor, building codes and other criteria.
Licensing isn’t the best indicator of how well a camp is managed, however, and requirements vary from state to state.
The American Camp Association (www.acacamps.org) offers accreditation that exceeds licensing requirements. It collaborates with organizations such as the American Red Cross and American Academy of Pediatrics. Standards include programming, camp staff, emergency management plans and health care. Its website has a searchable list of accredited camps.
The Internet can help once your child arrives at camp as well. Most camps offer e-mail. Some have gone further by including webcams for virtual visits. That should help ease any lingering concerns.
