The school year is winding down and with summer right around the corner, parents everywhere are searching for the right summer camp for their child. Identifying the perfect summer camp for your child can be challenging, but taking a few basic factors into consideration can make the selection process much simpler.

The first choice to consider is whether an overnight camp or a day camp is suitable. Overnight camps nurture independence skills while giving children a vacation-like experience. But, day camps can give children a similar experience while allowing them to come home at the end of the day to share their experiences with family and friends.

Ask yourself what’s most important to you and your child.  Are you looking for a camp that offers an educational experience or one that gives them the opportunity to unwind?  What about specialty camps? Options here include sports, computers, the arts and more.

What about field trips? Horizons are expanded when children are given the opportunity to visit places of interest around their community. Field trips should be age appropriate and relevant. You’ll want to find out ahead of time where the camp plans to take children and if there are any additional costs.

Speaking of field trips, how are the children transported?  Find out if the camp has their own buses; whether they will be outsourcing or if they’re asking parents to car pool. If the camp has their own bus, ask how often the bus is inspected, who drives it and what type of training they have.

The quality of the camp staff can make a huge difference in the type of experience your child will have. Do they enjoy working with school-aged children? Have they worked with that age group previously?  Ask how long each of the camp counselors has been employed. Look for a camp that has highly qualified staff and conducts background checks and training regularly.

Before choosing, you’ll also want to ask about the discipline policy and how conflicts between campers are handled. You should feel comfortable that the camp’s practices are in line with your family’s values. If your child has special needs, you will certainly want to ask how the camp plans to accommodate them.

Finally, ask the camp for references. A good camp will have families that return annually. These parents are usually more than happy to serve as a reference. If you can, visit the camp ahead of time with your child to ensure both of you feel comfortable with the camp environment and staff. Like most decisions that affect you and your family, you’ll know when it feels right.

Article by Tracy Musgrave