How to Find Accredited Summer Camps

Find an accredited summer camp for your child.

Are you planning to send your kids off to summer camp this year? Summer is just around the bend. What type of research have you done to make your decision on which camp to use? This information may help you decide which camp is the right one for your children.

Things You'll Need

• Internet
• Telephone
• Time

Instructions

1. Check the American Camp Association to be sure the camp you are considering is accredited. Once you know it is, you may want to get some answers from each individual summer camps before making a choice. See the resource below for information on accredited camps.

2. Do a phone interview: Ask what the summer camp's mission is. What are their values. What is their master plan for the summer your children will be at the camp? Most will agree to fax a schedule to you on request.

   Has a background check been done for all staff members? Were the background checks local, state, and federal?

3. 

   Are your kids excited to go, or fearful? Will you have to drag them to summer camp? If they panic once there, what is the camp's policy on letting your child go home for a day, and return to the camp to finish the visit? How often will your child be allowed to call or text you?

4. How long has the majority of the staff worked for this camp? Do the camp counselors have several seasons of experience? Do you feel comfortable with the staff members you have met?

5. Is the camp posh or rustic? Is it too rustic? When will you be allowed to personally check the camp?

   How many kids will be there this year? What is the ratio of staff to child?

6. No one wants to ask this, but you need to know:
   Will medical staff be on hand should your child be injured while at the camp? How far is the camp from a hospital? Is the camp able to handle any special needs your child may have?

7. 

   Check the schedule again: When summer camp begins, ask if there have been changes to any plans. Will all activities be at the camp, or is there an excursion planned? Are you comfortable with your child traveling from Georgia to Florida to go to the beach?

8. Check locally for day camps: If you are not ready for your child to go to summer camp, find out what is offered in your neighborhood. If you want your child to stay locally, does the YMCA in your area offer a day camp program? What about local churches? These are sometimes less expensive, and may be more what you and your child are ready for.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't feel that a local camp should not be accredited, even if it affiliated with a church or local college. Check everything before making your decision. Your kids are counting on you to make the right choice.

• www.acacamps.org offers information about accredited camps. See link below.

Resources

• Find accredited summer camps
• How to Join the Great American Backyard Campout