Making Your Child a Happy Camper : MARY LAINE YARBER

For many parents, the biggest worry of summer is how to keep children constructively entertained and suitably supervised during the workday. For many, the answer is summer day camp.

Westside parents have a wide variety of camps to choose from, making it easier to find one that suits the interests of their children. But how should you begin the search for a summer camp and what features should you look for?

Most important, think about your needs and your child’s interests. Hours and activities vary from camp to camp. It is a good idea to list your child’s interests so you can eliminate unsuitable camps.

One of the best ways to find good camps is word of mouth. Talk to your friends, neighbors and co-workers. Ask your child’s teachers too, as many camps are operated by teachers working for summer income.

Before choosing a day camp, though, be sure to visit it first, keeping some important guidelines in mind.

Safety is foremost. A day camp that is enclosed is best since it is more likely to keep kids in and strangers out. But a wall or fence isn’t absolutely necessary if there is close supervision, preferably by counselors older than high school age.

There should be at least one supervisor per seven campers.

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

There should be freedom for your child to choose among the activities, depending on his or her interests and energy level.

Good organization is crucial. The camp should be able to tell you the whereabouts of your child at any time of day. Keeping a copy of such a schedule is wise in case you need to reach or pick up your child in an emergency.

Of course, activity and amusement can sometimes lead to injuries, so it is important to ensure that your child will always be near a camp staffer who is certified in first aid and CPR. In most cases, these skills are part of basic training for camp employees. Also, be certain the day camp carries liability insurance.

Once you have narrowed the list of possible day camps, talk to parents of recent campers. If the camp is legitimate, its director should be happy to help you make such contacts.

There are dozens of reputable camps in the area. Since local parks and recreation departments offer varied activities with reasonable fees, they are a good place to start your search. YMCAs are generally worthwhile too.

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You can expect to pay about $20 to $30 for each eight-hour day at summer camps operated by most municipal park and recreation departments. Extras such as meals, transportation and extended day care generally cost a bit more.

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

Here are the phone numbers for some of the Westside’s most popular programs:

* Culver Slauson Recreation Center, (310) 398-5291

* Barrington Recreation Center, (310) 476-4866

* Penmar Recreation Center, Venice, (310) 396-8735

* Westchester Recreation Center, (310) 670-7473

* West Hollywood Recreation Center, (213) 876-1725

* Pacific Palisades/Malibu YMCA (310) 454-5591

* Santa Monica YMCA, (310) 478-1228