7 TIPS FOR CHOOSING SUMMER CAMPS
- Dear Girls Academy, Inc.
- Jun 21, 2016
- 2 min read
It’s that time of year again! Summer time! Summer camp time! When deciding which summer camps to trust with your children, be sure to do your homework.
Parents have to be more vigilant than ever when it comes to the care of their children. Be sure to look beyond the eye catching brochures, rehearsed sales pitches and social media blast. Our children are worth the extra time and research required to safely select the best-qualified summer camps possible.
7 Essential Tips
To Selecting The Best-Qualified Summer Camps
Key #1 Do your homework.
Look beyond the “price is right” and impressive flyers and brochures. Do your homework by asking for references, verifying information, researching organizations by getting the facts.
Key #2 Ask lots of questions.
Ask questions first. Inquire staff qualifications/training, background checks and selection process, ask about camp schedules, activities, food preparations, transportation, emergency planning, camp feedback (complaints and praises), camp history, supervision, the organization’s history etc.
Key #3 Remember the camp staff and volunteers.
Do your own research. Research not only the organization, but also research the camp staff and volunteers. With social media being what it is today it makes it easier to get an idea of who you are trusting with your children by digital footprints.
Key #4 Have the interview.
The sales pitch is intended to be inviting, therefore it is imperative to see beyond the fluff. Interview the camp organizers. Ask about their track record, their results, and even their complaints. Ask about difficult camp experiences and how it was handled. What does it say in black and white? Are they providing what’s advertised? Have the interview, after all your children are worth it.
Key #5 Know what people are saying.
Keep in mind “you can’t please all of the people, all of the time”, and not all the people will be happy with even the best of services, do get references. You may want to have a little more than reviews from the camp organizers. While testimonials are awesome, go to the source when possible, references from parents, volunteers, staff and repeat campers are good to have.
Key #6 Involve your children in selection process.
Involving your children in the summer camp selection process helps put you and them at ease. Plus, you get a better understanding for what they are most interesting in, making their summer camp experience more enjoyable.
Key #7 Have a peace of mind.
Go with your gut. Everything that glitters is not gold, so do your homework. You cannot foresee everything so trust your gut. When deciding on which summer camps to trust with your children, it is imperative to have a peace a mind after you have done your homework.
As a mother and as an expert summer camp provider I cannot emphasize enough how imperative it is for parents to do their research before enrolling their children into summer camp programs. All things considered, the well-being of your children is of the up-most importance, so the use of these 7 vital keys are intended to be used only as a guide and not a substitute for your judgment.
Happy Camping!
