Parents looking for the right camp for their children this summer should look beyond the glossy brochures touting soulful sing-alongs and cozy campfires and do some, well, digging.
“If you do the job right, you are going to visit the site,” said Fred Elsberry Jr., president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving metro Atlanta, Athens and northeast Georgia.
Because there is no government oversight of camps, Elsberry said it’s up to parents to make sure they are sending their kids to a safe camp that meets their child’s needs.
The best way to do that, he said, is to visit. If time will not allow, parents should seek references from other parents of kids who have attended the camp.
If they haven’t already done either of those things, Elsberry said, “Now is probably too late.”
He said parents ideally should begin their search four to six months before camp season.
For parents still trying to make up their minds, Elsberry offered these tips:
- Visit the camp before making a decision. Check its location and view the living, eating and recreational facilities. Be sure to ask about safety procedures, especially for water activities, archery and off-campus trips.
- Assess the quality and commitment of the staff. Look into the camp director's background and the criteria used for hiring staff. Parents sending children to specialty camps should inquire about the staff's level of expertise in the specific area and the ratio of staff to campers.
- Research the total cost of tuition. Is the deposit refundable? Are there extra charges for any activities? Are meals and transportation included? Is financial aid available?
- Understand the safety rules and how they are enforced. Ask about the camp's insurance coverage. Check the condition and safety of the facilities and equipment. Note any dangerous areas, like cliffs, swamps and other water zones.
- Ask about the medical care. Check out the medical facilities to be sure they are adequate. Find out if a nurse or doctor is on site. Inquire about the procedures for transporting injured or sick children to nearby medical facilities.
- Be familiar with the camp philosophy. Know what the camps' goals are and how each program offered meets those goals. Are family visits or other communication with campers allowed? How is homesickness handled?
- Check a typical daily schedule. Note the camp hours, the variety of activities that are planned, the age range of the campers, what type of food is served, the pace of the day and any transportation that is involved.
- Get references. Ask parents of repeat campers about their child's experience and why they recommend the camp. Find out the camper return rate as well as the counselor return rate. Look for camps that are certified by the American Camp Association Its accredited camps have met up to 300 nationally recognized standards.
For more information on an individual camp or to check a BBB Business Review on any business or charity, call 404-766-0875 or visit bbb.org. Parents may also want to check the ACA website: www.ACAcamps.org.
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