Picking a Summer Camp

By: Jeff Lorenz

Here are some things to consider when visiting a camp, watching a video or flipping through the brochure. Please note many of these areas may affect your child's stay at summer camp. Be sure to ask the <a href="http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com">Summer Camp</a> Director if you can not find information that you feel is a top priority for your child.
<BR><BR>Facilities: Look at the condition of the facilities. Do the buildings they show signs of wear and a lack of maintenance, Though well worn and rustic buildings are perfectly ok, make sure that they are not being neglected. Specific things you'll want to look for and ask about include:
<BR><BR>Bunks: * Are they in cabins, tents, or dorms? * How many beds are in each bunk? * Are the beds individual cots or bunk beds? * Do the campers choose which beds they want? What if they don't want a top bunk? * Where do the campers store their belongings? * Are the bunks crowded? Is there enough storage space? Does it look like the camp has overbooked and crowded extra campers in? * How clean are the bunks? Beds should be made by the campers and belongings should be in cubbies. * Where do the counselors sleep? How many counselors sleep in each bunk?
<BR><BR>Bathrooms: *Does each bunk have it's own toilets or is there a common bathhouse? How far away are the toilets? * Do children have to walk alone at night? Is the path lighted? * Where are the showers? * If the camp is coed, how separate are the shower and toilet facilities? * Who cleans the bathrooms, and how often?
<BR><BR>Waterfront or Swimming Pool: * Is the pool large enough to accommodate all swimmers? * Are the waterfront areas for swimming, boating, water skiing and diving separate and clearly marked? * What kind of waterfront equipment is provided? * What is the level of waterfront supervision and ratio of lifeguards to swimmers? * Are life jackets always worn during water sports? * Are swimming areas clearly marked? * How do they account for swimmers? Buddy board?
<BR><BR>The Grounds: * Are playing fields freshly reseeded and mowed? * Are the trails clearly marked? * Is the equipment in good condition?
<BR><BR>Dinning Hall: Believe it or not this one of the most important areas at camp. Nearly 25% of their day is spent in the Dinning Hall. So the Camp needs to understand this and work to make it a clean, exciting and nutritious experience Will the camp meet your dietary needs. Don't be forget to make sure they can accommodate you <a href="http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/Summer_Kids_Camp.htm">Kids Summer Camp</a> * Are there alternatives if your child does not like the offering? Is there a salad bar? * When, how and what Are the snacks? Is there a canteen/camp store? * What does a typical menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner look like?* Is there enough space for the whole camp to be served in one seating? * Do cabins eat together? This is your child's friends. * Are meals buffet style or are campers served family style? If they are served, who serves the food? * Who is the kitchen director and what are his or their credentials? How long have they been at this camp? * What are the safety and cleanliness standards? Who inspectes the state and local codes?
<BR><BR>Remember this article has to do with the comforts of camp and not with safety at camp. The American Camp Association has a certification program that looks at over 300 different aspects of camp. It is always best to select a camp that has been ACA Accredited.<a href="http://www.acacamps.org">ACA</a>
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Bio:
SNC promotes Nature with <a href="http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/science-atcamp.htm">Science Summer Camp</a> programs along with traditional camp activities.
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