Is the camp accredited by the American Camp Association and are they up-to-date with certifications and training?

The American Camp Association sets guidelines for camps, provides resources for camp personnel, and helps the general public know what to look for when selecting camps. Visit http://www.ACAcamps.org for more information and search their database for finding ACA-accredited camps.

How are staff trained and evaluated?

Find out if CORI screening (screens for criminal records) is done and what first aid training the staff undergoes. Make sure that staff are trained in first aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and seizure first aid. You’ll also want to know the experience and training of staff in childhood development, special needs and camping. Find out who supervises and trains the camp counselors. Is this person able to work with parents on special needs that your child may have?

What is the staff/camper ratio?

Will your child get enough individualized attention, if needed? Ask specifically about the number of staff available when campers have overnights or participate in high-risk activities such as rope climbing, swimming, or other potentially dangerous activities for children with seizures.

What is the availability of one-to-one supervision for your child if needed?

Staffing ratios and supervision needs will vary depending on the type and location of camp. If your child needs one-on-one all the time, talk to the camp director well ahead of time. Parents should also work with their child’s special education program, if appropriate – they may have summer programs that would match the child’s needs or be able to recommend other summer opportunities.

Close supervision of a child during high-risk activities should also be discussed early. If your child needs more supervision than the camp provides other campers, ask for accommodations to maintain his or her safety. If the camp is not able to provide what your child needs, look into camps with higher staff/camper ratios.

What is the return rate for staff and campers?

Do staff and campers like the camp enough to come back? A high turnover rate for staff may leave a camp with many new and less-experienced staff. If campers don't return regularly, find out why. It may be due to staff problems, or maybe the camp isn't as exciting as it sounds.

Continue to Evaluating Camps Part 2

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, MD and Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN.
Reviewed: Robert Fisher, MD and Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN

Last Reviewed: April 2010