Picking a Summer Camp

By: Jeff Lorenz

Here are some things to consider when visiting a camp, watching a video or flipping through the brochure. Please note many of these areas may affect your child's stay at summer camp. Be sure to ask the <a href="http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com">Summer Camp</a> Director if you can not find information that you feel is a top priority for your child.
<BR><BR>Facilities Be careful to look at the condition of the facilities. Do the buildings well maintained,? Or do they show signs of needed maintenance. Rustic buildings are perfectly ok, make sure that they are not being neglected. Specific things you'll want to look for and ask about include:
<BR><BR>Bunks: * Do children live in cabins, tents, or dorms? * How many beds are in each cabin? * Are they bunk beds or individual cots? * How do the campers choose which beds they want? * Where do the campers store their belongings? * Are the cabins to crowded? Is there enough storage space? Has the camp overbooked and crowded extra campers in? * Are the cabins clean? Are beds made by the campers and belongings stowed? * How many counselors sleep in each Cabin?
<BR><BR>Bathrooms: * Where are the toilets? Does each bunk have it's own toilets or is there a common bathhouse? * If there is a common bathhouse, do children have to walk alone at night? Is the path lighted? * Are there showers in each bunk? * Do campers have to walk in their bathrobes/pajamas to the showers? * If the camp is coed, how separate are the shower facilities? * Who cleans the facilities, and how often?
<BR><BR>Waterfront or Swimming Pool: *Can pool accommodate all of camps swimmers? * Is the waterfront areas for swimming, boating, water skiing and diving separate and clearly marked? * What waterfront equipment is provided? * What is the supervision and ratio of lifeguards to swimmers? * Are life jackets worn during water activities? * Is swimming areas marked? * How are swimmers counted and watched? Buddy board?
<BR><BR>The Grounds: * Are playing fields freshly reseeded and mowed? * Are the trails clearly marked? * Is the equipment in good condition?
<BR><BR>Dinning Hall:Your child will spend alot of time in the Dinning Hall. Be sure the Camp understand this and work to make it a clean, exciting and nutritious experience If you have special dietary needs don't be forget to make sure they can accommodate your needs. <a href="http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/Summer_Kids_Camp.htm"> Summer kids Camp</a> *Can the whole camp to be served in one seating? * Do cabins eat together or split up? * How are meals served, buffet style or family style? * What if your childr doesn't like the main meal? what are the alternatives? Is there a salad bar? * Are snacks served? How and what are the snacks? * What is a typical menu? * What are ther credentials of the cook? * Is the kitchen inspected by local authorities? What are the safety and cleanliness standards?
<BR><BR>Remember this article has to do with the comforts of camp and not with safety at camp. The American Camp Association has a certification program that looks at over 300 different aspects of camp. It is always best to select a camp that has been ACA Accredited. <a href="http://www.acacamps.org">ACA CAMPS</a>
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Bio:
SNC promotes Nature with <a href="http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/science-atcamp.htm">Science Summer Camp</a> programs along with traditional camp activities.
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