As winter sprints to a close and we rapidly near spring months, choosing a summer camp should be top priority for parents. This can be a daunting task, as summer camps are a huge part of childhood and summer break experiences.
Make sure you choose a camp your child will love, with the help of the American Camp Association. The ACA not only helps camps with professional development, and accreditation, but with camp placement as well. To aid parents in choosing the best camp for their children, the ACA has compiled a list of seven things parents should considering while choosing a summer camp for their children.
1. Ask yourself about the camp's philosophy and program emphasis and see if both are a match for your child. Understand whether or not the camp's method of constructing and learning methods matches your family's beliefs.
2. Investigate the camp director's background, and level of education. Be sure that the director is experienced and qualified in leading and directing a camp. ACA recommends director's hold a bachelors degree.
3. Consider what training the counselors receive. Be sure counselors are trained in safety regulations, appropriate staff and camper behavior, child abuse prevention, behavior management techniques, and emergency procedures and communications.
4. Look into how behavioral and disciplinary problems are handled, and understand disciplinary methods, making sure you are comfortable with them.
5. Seek information of special needs standards of the camp. If your child is in need of special needs requirements, be sure the camp is an appropriate fit.
6. Get references! Word of mouth is the best feedback a business can have.
7. See what the America Camp Association thinks, and make sure the camp is ACA accredited. ACA has high standards, this any camp that is ACA Accredited is the right camp for you! This camp choosing process has just gotten easier with the help of America Camp Association. Your child's summer full of fun is in sight. Keep updated with the ACA on choosing the best camps for your family.
