Take the worry out of camp by planning ahead
Of all the things that can get in the way of summer camp, one of the biggest is not just anxiety among children worried about what camp will be like, but rather parental anxiety over whether the camp will be caring and safe for their child. Separation, along with related worries like an inability to communicate with their child and the need to place trust in camp directors and staff they don’t know, may be difficult.
As scholars of summer camp, we believe there are steps parents can take to ease their anxiety.
1. Find an accredited camp
The American Camp Association sets health and safety standards for the camp industry. The association offers camp accreditation through onsite visits and a review of camp policies and procedures. Only camps that implement recognized standards can earn this accreditation.
One easy way to determine if a particular camp is accredited is to search for the “Accredited” logo in camp promotional materials. To double-check a camp’s accreditation status, use the American Camp Association’s Find-a-camp resource website to verify the camp is accredited.
2. Learn how camp staff are trained and prepared
High-quality camp experiences begin with properly prepared staff. For instance, parents may ask how many hours or days of pre-camp training staff receive. Often they get at least five days for residential camp, but that number could vary based on staff position.
Ask what percentages of camp staff are returning from the previous summer. Typically, 40% to 60% or more of staff return. If it’s lower than that, parents should ask why.
Inquire about the ratio of staff to campers, which is typically 1-to-8 but can differ based on the age of the campers.
If your child misbehaves, struggles to understand camp rules or has unmet needs, you want to understand how staff will treat your child. Parents can also ask directors how campers are supervised, how camper behavior is managed and how staff are prepared for these important roles.
3. Prepare your child for camp
If you want peace of mind with a child attending overnight camp, make sure the child is ready for an extended stay away from home.