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.

For my money, the Culver Slauson Recreation Center, (310) 398-5291. is a top pick at $5 per week, or $30 for the entire summer.

Other recreation centers hosting summer day camps include Barrington, (310) 476-4866; Penmar in Venice, (310) 396-8735; Westchester, (310) 670-7473, and West Hollywood (213) 876-1725.

The YMCA is a well-established option for summer day camp, and the Pacific Palisades/Malibu branch is offering a sturdy program of sports, field trips and other activities.

The weeklong sessions are open to children 4 to 14, and each costs $132 per week. Call (310) 454-5591.

Parents who work long days may want to check out the Santa Monica YWCA camp. It runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., the longest day I’ve found. It’s also more reasonably priced than many others at $95 for five days.

The YWCA program runs through Aug. 14 and features trips, activities and nature programs for children ages 5 through 11. Call the Santa Monica YWCA at (310) 478-1228.

“Blacktop Basketball” is soaring in popularity among local children, and the Viking Basketball Camp in Santa Monica could be a good place for your son or daughter to learn the basics of ball handling, teamwork and sportsmanship.

The camp offers two different two-week sessions (starting this Tuesday and July 13, respectively) for boys and girls who will be entering grades six through 12.

Hours are 1 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It costs $175 per session.

Call Coach Kenneth Sprague at (310) 395-3204, Ext. 522 for more information.

Mary Laine Yarber teaches English at Santa Monica High School.