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Suggested Questions
The following is a list of questions you may want to ask to help you make
the decision as to which camp will best meet your child's needs and
interests. These questions are intended to give you some guidelines for
evaluating the quality of service provided by the camp. The manner in which
these questions are answered will indicate the level of competency and the
dedication of the staff.
How does one apply?
What is the deadline for submitting an application?
What is the camp's opening and closing date?
Is there a clothing requirement and a clothing checklist?
Is transportation to and from the camp provided?
Is the program designed for children with physical disabilities?
Is there a violation of Section 504 or ADA?
Is the camp accredited by the American Camping Association?
Does the camp meet state and local health standards as well as regulations
for the operation of day and residential camps?
Questions Concerning Staff
What is the criterion for selecting a counselor?
What education and experience is deemed necessary to be a counselor?
What is a counselor's duties?
What is the ratio of counselor to children?
Is a counselor hired for a short period of time or for the entire summer?
How many counselors live in each of the cabins or houses?
Does the staff include a nurse and a doctor?
Questions Concerning Facilities
What types of facilities are available?
What is their overall condition?
Are there adequate toilet and shower facilities?
How many children are housed in each quarter?
Is there a well-equipped infirmary on the premises?
Questions Concerning Health Emergencies
Is the camp insured?
Is my child covered?
Is the doctor/nurse on duty 24 hours?
Is there a medical center close by?
Questions Concerning Programs
What types of activities are offered?
Are the activities coordinated and designed according to the age of the
child?
Is the program flexible, or is it highly structured?
Is the program well-balanced with a wide variety of activities?
Questions Concerning Fees
Is there a fee?
What is included in this fee?
Does the fee cover transportation, meals, insurance, linens, laundry,
special trips, canteen, health services, and use of the equipment?
May I have an itemized list of any services for which an additional fee is
required?
Is there a membership fee?
Must I join the sponsoring organization in order for my child to
participate?
Is there a weekly dues system?
Are scholarships available?
Questions Concerning Transportation
What kind of transportation is provided?
Is it door-to-door or group pick-up?
Will a counselor or chaperone be on the bus to supervise my child?
Does the vehicle meet state and local safety regulations for the operation
of a vehicle that transports children?
How long is the ride to and from the camp?
For long trips, is there a bathroom on the bus?
Is the vehicle owned, operated, and supervised by camp personnel, or is it
operated by an outside company?
Questions Concerning Meals
Is lunch provided at the day camp?
Is the residential camp menu prepared by a dietitian?
May I see a sample menu?
Is a snack provided during the day?
Is a special meal made available to a child with diabetes or with food
allergies?
Is each meal well-balanced?
Questions Concerning Integrated Camps
Does the camp setting meet my child's needs?
Will I have contact with someone concerning my child's progress?
Notes
Don't be afraid to ask specific questions. The more you and your child know,
the better the camp experience will be. If the camp is affiliated with a
non-specialized camp, inquire as to when the children will be together.
Sometimes the best references for a camp are the previous campers. Be sure
to ask the camp for references.
Day camps sponsored by municipal recreation agencies are available at little
or at times no cost. Residential camps; however, usually require a
substantial fee. Check with public and private programs with aid to
dependent children as well as community, veterans, religious, and ethnic
organizations. These groups may offer full or partial camp scholarships.
Reprinted with permission from the
Atlanta Alliance on
Developmental Disabilities.
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Many summer
camps fill up their slots by January. Do your research early and get
your child enrolled in a program before it is too late. |
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