Jim Winsett of the BBB. Q. We are planning for summer camp for our kids. There are many options; what advice may BBB provide?
A. It is advisable to do your homework before signing kids up for summer camp. Better Business Bureau recommends that parents start preparing now if they plan to send children to a summer camp.
Parents should look for a camp that provides activities that are of interest to their child and appropriate for their child's age and skill level. Campers have many more choices than the traditional hiking, canoeing and water sports.
There is a wide range of choices, including specialty sports camps, camps specializing in computer skills, church camps, leadership activities, community work, preschool camps for younger children and special-needs camps for children with disabilities.
When choosing a camp, parents need to use the same care and common sense they would use in evaluating a day care program. They should look for a camp that provides activities that are of interest to their child and appropriate for the child's age and skill level.
Parents need to take time to visit camps to inspect facilities, ask about the staff's training and experience, and find out how the camp handles medical emergencies. If the child is staying overnight, be sure to look at cabins, showers and other facilities that your child will be using.
According to the American Camp Association, parents rate fun and safety as their most important priorities. When considering a camp for their child, parents should ask how long it has been in business, check with parents of past and returning campers, and check the camp's reputation at bbb.org.
BBB recommends parents look beyond glossy brochures and websites before selecting an appropriate camp, to make sure their children will be well-supervised and safe:
- Assess the quality and commitment of the staff. Find out the camp director's background, as well as the criteria used for hiring staff. It is also important to know the ratio of staff to campers. Parents sending children to specialty camps should inquire about the staff's level of expertise in the specific area.
- Know the fees. What is the total cost for the summer? Is your deposit refundable? Are there extra charges for any activities? Are meals and transportation included? Is financial aid available?
- Understand the safety rules. Find out what the rules are 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 or 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?
- See 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.
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.