Summer
resident camp can be the experience of a lifetime. The right
camp gives a child the chance to grow socially and emotionally,
and to make new friends and lifetime memories, but how do you
know when you and your child are ready for camp? First of all,
age is not usually a reliable guideline. Some campers are ready
at seven while others struggle at eleven. Here are some questions
you might want to ask: Does your child enjoy new experiences
and adventures? Has your child expressed an interest in going
to camp? Is he/she comfortable with sleepovers and being away
from home? Can your child (and you) handle a more rustic living
environment? Can you handle going for a week or two without
verbal communication with your child? Does he enjoy the chance
to meet diverse groups of people? Honest conversation is the
key here. Your child must be a partner in the decision about
whether to attend a camp, and what she hopes to accomplish.
Having
made these decisions, you must now choose a camp that best
matches your child's interests and personality. Research is
essential. Just like kids, camps come in all shapes and sizes,
and cater to a wide range of budgets, schedules, ages and
interests. Some are affiliated with churches or with non-profit
organizations like the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, etc. While
all camps must be ADA accessible, some have a broader understanding
of special needs.
All
camps have web sites, and that is a good place to start. All
camps also welcome phone calls. The camp administrators should
be happy to answer your questions. You might want to ask about
sample daily schedules, menu choices, illness and injury policies,
staff to camper ratios and percentage of returning campers.
Ask about a camp's licensing and certifications. A certification
by the American Camping Association is essential. Many camps
offer tours for first-time campers. A site visit can alleviate
many of your child's anxieties. Finally, talk to your friends
and neighbors about their experiences with a camp.
At
our camp, our best recruiters are the campers themselves.
Many first-time campers come because they have been invited
by a friend. Coming to camp with a friend is often an excellent
way to enhance the camp experience. The initial separation
may be stressful for you and your child, but you must be able
to trust that a well-trained and sensitive camp staff is skillful
in helping your child relax, feel comfortable and have fun!
With
adequate research and preparation, a positive resident camp
experience can be a truly life-changing experience.
