Choosing a Camp? Begin With Old-Fashioned Word-of-Mouth

Trying to find ways to educate and entertain children during the summer is an annual challenge for some parents. For many, the best option is day camp.

There are all kinds of summer camps to choose from. Here are some suggestions that may help you choose well.

Hours and activities vary widely, so before you begin your search, spend some time thinking about your own needs and your child’s interests. For some children, a camp that specializes in one subject--dance, baseball, journalism, weight loss or whatever--may be appropriate.

Most children, however, will be better suited to a camp that offers a variety of activities, such as arts and crafts, sports and games, and music and dance.

In most cases, local camps operate on schedules that accommodate children whose schools follow traditional calendars as well as those attending year-round schools.

Some day camps allow children to enter at any time, but others require enrollment beforehand.

You can expect to pay, on average, about $20 to $30 for each eight-hour day of camp. Extras such as meals, transportation and extended day care usually cost a bit more.

There are several ways to find good camps, but one of the best is old-fashioned word of mouth.

Talk to your friends, neighbors and co-workers. Ask your child’s teachers too, since many camps are operated by teachers as a means of summer income.

Before choosing a day camp, though, be sure to visit it first, and consider some important guidelines.

Safety is foremost. A day camp that uses an enclosed area is best but not absolutely necessary if there is close and constant supervision.

The best supervision, by the way, is done by college students or older adults--not high school students.

There should be a least one supervisor for every seven children. It’s a fairly safe rule of thumb.

Look for a program that offers a wide variety of activities, because children get bored easily. A camp that offers sports in the cool mornings and indoor activities during the warmer afternoons is ideal.

There should be freedom for your child to choose among the activities, according to interests and energy level.

Clear organization is crucial too. The camp should be able to tell you the whereabouts of your child at any given time of day.

Of course, activity and amusement can sometimes lead to injuries, so it’s important to make sure that the day camp carries liability insurance.

Check to make sure that your child will always be near a camp employee who is certified in First Aid and CPR. At most camps, these are part of basic training for the staff.

At least a couple of well-stocked First Aid kits should be easily accessible.

Do a little background check on the camp by talking to parents of recent campers. If the camp is legitimate and worthwhile, its director will be happy to help you make such contacts.

There are dozens of reputable camps in the area, but local parks and recreation departments offer varied activities with reasonable fees. It’s a good place to begin your search.

Most park programs operate in one-week sessions, generally for children ages 5 through 12. Activities include arts, crafts and games. The cost range is startling: from $5 to $85 per week, depending on location and the numbers of days your child wants to attend each week.

Mary Laine Yarber teaches English at an area high school.