Research, ask questions when choosing summer camp

by Melissa Martin

As the weather warms, parents face the task of choosing the right summer camp for their children. Experts emphasize that early preparation is crucial to ensure the best fit for both child and parents. While cost, duration and activities play a role, the ultimate goal is to find a safe, engaging and enriching environment.   

Dave Devey, director and owner of Falcon Camp, stresses the importance of asking questions. 

“You’ve heard it before,” Devey said, “There’s no such thing as a stupid question. Ask away. … It’s part of a parent’s job to do the research to make sure they are putting that child in the best possible situation.”   

With 40 years of experience, Devey advises scheduling meetings with camp administrators to get answers early. He cautions against camps that are hesitant to provide prompt answers. 

“And if they can’t give you those answers right off the cuff or say they have to call you back once they find out the information, chances are that’s not going to be the right place for you and your child,” he said. 

Devey recommends checking for accreditation by the American Camp Association. ACA-accredited camps undergo thorough inspections and meet specific standards. 

“These are rigorous inspections,” Devey, an ACA inspector, said. “They are not out there looking for dust bunnies under the beds. … They are making sure the camps have extensive policies in place for the safety of both campers and staff. I feel like when parents see that logo of accreditation, they can breathe a sigh of relief.”   

Parents should also review the parent handbook to understand camp policies. Devey emphasizes asking numerous questions. “You want to ask as many questions as possible,” he said. “Everything from how the camp conducts background checks on its staff to finding out who supervises the staff are fair game.”   

Here are some of Devey’s recommended questions:

• How much space is allocated per child in the cabins?   
• What will the child’s daily schedule be like?   
• Are activities mandatory or optional?   
• How often do campers shower?   
• What is the staff-to-camper ratio during activities?   
• Is there a doctor or nurse on staff?   
• How far away is the nearest medical facility?   
• What are the backgrounds of the camp administrators?   
• What is the camp’s communication policy between parents and children? Are cell phones allowed?   
• What is the policy on medication?   
• What is the emergency notification policy?   

Discipline policies are also important, Devey notes. “Find out how they deal with campers who do not follow the rules,” he said. 

Ultimately, Devey stresses the importance of a positive experience for the child. “Sending your child to summer camp is a gift to that child,” he said. “So do your homework to find the best opportunity for your child and then get out of the way. Children can pick up on their parents’ insecurities, so it’s best to not show them any apprehension. Let them try new things. Let them learn and, most of all, let them grow.”