The American Camp Association establishes health and safety standards in the camp industry. The association offers accreditation for camps through onsite inspections and an evaluation of policies and procedures. This accreditation is only available to camps who adhere to recognized standards. The standards cover a wide range of topics, including what the campers are taught and the conditions in which they learn it. The standards also cover screening and training of staff, and what they must do to ensure campers have a safe experience.
Logo of an ACA-accredited camping facility.
Search for the “Accredited Logo” in promotional materials. Use the Find A Camp resource site of the American Camp Association to double-check the accreditation status of a camp. If you filter for the type of camp, the logo will appear if it is accredited.
Discover how camp staff is trained and prepared
A properly trained staff is essential to a high-quality camp experience. Parents may want to know how many days or hours staff spend in training prior to camp. They usually get at least 5 days of residential camp. However, this number can vary depending on the staff’s position.
Amounts of staff returning to the camp from previous summers are important. Most staff members return for at least 40%. Parents should question why if it is lower.
Ask about the staff-to-camper ratio, which is usually 1-to-8, but may vary depending on the age range of the campers. For example, a ratio of 1-5 is common for younger campers aged 6 to 8 and 1-10 for older campers aged 15 to 18 years.
You want to know how the staff will handle your child if they misbehave, have difficulty understanding camp rules, or have unmet needs. Parents can ask directors about how staff is prepared to perform these roles, and how they supervise campers.
Prepare your child to go to camp
You can have peace of mind if your child is prepared for a long stay away from their home.
Parents can use to prepare their children for camp, and reduce the chances that their child will feel homesick or anxious.
These strategies include:
Participate with your child to the decision of whether or not they will attend the camp. Explain to your child the purpose and activities involved in the camp.
You can also let your child experience other overnight experiences, such as sleepovers and short overnight stays with friends or relatives.
* Talk to your child about the sleeping arrangements at camp and the meal options. Many camps provide live or virtual tours for parents and potential campers to familiarize themselves with the camp accommodations and facilities.
* Make sure your child has the right clothing and equipment. Also, make sure that they have all of their medications and assistive devices such as inhalers.
* Tell your child that it is normal for them to be anxious when they leave home to attend camp. Encourage your child to be positive and reassure them that they are ready.
Find a camping site near you or inquire about transport options
Some overnight camps can be found in the city, outside of suburbia or even in rural wilderness. Find an overnight camp near you to ease travel challenges. Many camps require parents to transport their children.
Ask the camp for transportation options if you can’t bring your child with you. Some camps provide bus services to pick up campers at locations that are closer to densely-populated areas. You may be able for your child to begin their camp experience in your hometown with a camper bus that trained counsellors staff. You can also carpool with other families or use a ride-sharing service. The camp will be happy to assist families in coordinating ride-sharing.
Discover how campers’ well-being is supported by the camp.
COVID-19 has brought mental, social, and emotional health to the forefront for camps and their staff. In light of the pandemic’s disruptions and changes that have occurred, upcoming research indicates that children are showing a variety of mental, emotional, and social health issues. These behaviors may require support from camp communities, such as increased anxiety and difficulty in regulating emotions. Camp counselors that are well-informed about the importance of mental, social and emotional health can ensure your child has a rewarding and safe camp experience.