Choosing A Summer Camp
Camp provides a child-centred environment where the hurry, stress and demands of modern life are almost totally eliminated. What a great way to spend a summer!
Prepared by Sandra Ferrari with permission from the Ontario Camping Association
Parents who send their children to camp are giving them an experience that will reap benefits for a lifetime. Campers are exposed to a healthy, balanced lifestyle that encourages good habits: regular, nutritious meals; adequate rest and an abundance of exercise. Each day’s program offers maximum opportunity for fun and creativity and minimal exposure to sedentary technology. Social interaction predominates with some opportunity for solitary pursuits. Throughout the day, campers are guided by young counsellors who are fun, fit, skilled, patient and caring. They are excellent role models for impressionable youth.
And, recent research indicates that direct exposure to a natural environment is essential to the physical and emotional health of all children.
Whether a child leaves home for a full day at camp or attends a resident camp for a week or longer, he develops his independence and grows in confidence. Camp encourages children to be self-reliant. As one camp parent expressed it, “I marvelled as to how two weeks could make such a difference in such a young life – but it really did. I think developing skills and friendships in a setting away from home builds tremendous confidence.”
If you are looking to choose a summer camp experience for your child then you already have an understanding of the positive impact summer camp can have on children. You already know that campers learn social skills that help them live harmoniously with a diverse group of people. You already know that summer camp fosters a love and appreciation for the natural world and you know that in few other places will your child be given the quality and quantity of supervision and guidance that she/he will at summer camp. Whether your child is four or 14, both of you will benefit from researching and discussing what kind of summer camp they want. It gives them a chance to ask questions about what it is like to be away from home, or settle any other fears they may have in leaving home for the first time.
While it’s not mandatory for a camp to have Ontario Camping Association (OCA) accreditation, knowing that your child’s camp is OCA approved will provide you with a sense of confidence and assurance. OCA accreditation means that your child’s camp is inspected every second year, and that it adheres to a number of rules and regulations that are set in place to insure the safety of your child.
Parents should not hesitate to speak with Camp Directors directly. The answers to these questions should allow you to form reasonable expectations of the camp you choose.
What is the camp’s staff-to-camper ratio?
This ratio indicates the overall level of supervision that the camp can provide your camper. It’s a good idea to also inquire about the number of campers under one counsellor’s care, as this may be a different ratio. According to the OCA, counsellor/camper ratios should be no larger than 1:8 for children under 7, or 1:12 for children ages 8-16.
How does the camp ensure the safety of campers?
You should learn about the ages and qualifications of the staff, the camp’s protocols for supervision and risk-management (buddy systems, cabin checks), and camper guidelines (boundaries, water safety).
What programs does the camp offer?
Are you looking for a traditional and varied camp program, or a camp where campers hone a particular set of skills/talents? A wide variety of activities caters to a multitude of interests. As well as encouraging physical activity, some camps offer musical, artistic and intellectual programs.
What does a “typical day at camp” look like?
This will give you a good idea of the campers’ schedule, and will help you determine whether or not the campers’ time is being spent productively, actively and enjoyably. You can also use this information to prepare your child for his/her time at camp.
What does the Camp Director/staff want the campers to take away with them at the end of their camping experience?
This question will reveal the overall values and philosophies of the camp. The Camp Director should be able to talk freely and passionately about such things.
How does the camp and staff deal with issues like homesickness, bullying and campers with special needs?
Many camps have resources and policies in place concerning these issues. Staff should be trained in such areas as age-appropriate needs, behaviour management, methods of inclusion and skill development.
What kind of health care facility/staff is available?
Safety should be of the utmost importance at any camp. The answer to this question should give the parent confidence that the camp is equipped (on-site) or has a strategy in place to ensure quick and competent emergency response and everyday wellness.
Specialty Camps
There are a number of specialty camps available as well. If your child is proficient in computers, try a computer camp. If you can’t get your child away from their drawing table, let them develop their skills at a camp that focuses on artistic development. If your child loves hockey, sport-specific camps are also available.
Exciting opportunities for your child are also available through places such as Camp Awakening. Camp Awakening is approved by the Ontario Camping Association (OCA), and allows children with disabilities the chance to enjoy activities with their peers in a positive atmosphere. Staff and campers alike are able to assist your child and allow them to partake in traditional camping activities, such as canoeing, swimming and other fun games.
“At Camp Awakening we have children with all kinds of disabilities. This ranges from amputee children, to those with muscular dystrophy, to those who are hearing-impaired or visually-impaired,” says Melinda Evans, the camp’s Executive Director. “It also gives children a huge sense of accomplishment in what they can do, instead of what they can’t do.”
When researching your camp, it’s important to make note of application deadlines. Spring is the right time to apply. Many of these camps fill up fast.
Children have so much fun at camp that they are likely unaware of all the valuable skills and lessons they are learning and the long-term benefits they are realizing. But in the meantime, they are storing up a lifetime of happy memories!
Resources:
Ontario Camping Association – www.ontariocamps.com
Canadian Camp Directory – www.ourkids.net
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