North Fulton Happy Campers

Choosing the Right Camp for Your Child

By Amy Rickman and Jenny Simpson

LETS GOI dont want to miss anything at summer camp today!
What parent hasnt dreamed of hearing those magical words each morning, knowing their child is having fun? Great summer camp experiences offer kids a chance to explore, develop new skills, forge friendships, and create awesome memories. If your goal is to have a happy camper this year, now is the time to start planning summer adventures. Here are some ways to help you be successful in that journey.

NARROW THE FIELD
With so many types of camps to choose from, where does a parent start the quest? Camp selections today are varied, unique and available to meet almost every area of interest. Are you looking for sleepaway or day camp? Does your child prefer an emphasis on athletics or arts? For example, what about an exploration in movie making or Minecrafting? If it can be taught, theres probably a camp for it!

Narrowing the field of options can be daunting, so start simple. Before you even begin the search, take a moment to discuss the idea of camp with your child. What would she like to discover this summer? Is he better suited to a specialty camp or one with variety? Will your child thrive in trying something new or excel in further developing a talent? Where are they most comfortable or most challenged? Understanding your childs interests and personality is the number one key to finding the right summer program match.

RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS
Your camper has provided input, and now its time to incorporate your familys needs. Consider overall factors that will affect your selection, and use this information to tailor your options to research. If you have multiple campers with individual interests, look for camps that offer diverse choices for different ages. If cost is crucial, ask about scholarship opportunities, volume savings, early bird specials or family discounts. If variety is important, search for single-day, multi-day or specialty camps to weave into the summer schedule. And if you prefer to stay local, check out online parent blogs. Most sites produce a summer camp guide, a handy collection of programs and camp contacts in your community. Legwork done!

Be creative in gathering information about camps. Browse for summer programs offered by local recreation departments, youth service agencies, churches, sports associations, community colleges, museums, libraries or even non-traditional camp businesses. And remember, one of the best resources available to parents is another parent who has been through this before. Talk to friends whose children enjoyed their camp experience, and ask for recommendations.

ASK RELEVANT QUESTIONS
Once you have a few good choices, call or visit the camps to inquire about their philosophy, safety procedures, communication plan, staff training and how they manage behavior. Discuss individual needs for your child and how these might be addressed. Ask relevant questions to ease your concerns as a parent.

Heres a quick checklist of questions to consider:

• How are staff selected, screened and trained?
• What is the staffs educational background and experience?
• What is the camper to counselor ratio?
• How are children organized into groups?
• How does the camp manage behavior or handle conflicts?
• What forms of parent communication are utilized?
• What are the health and safety policies?
• What is included? (field trips, swimming, supplies, meals, etc.)
• What is a sample daily schedule?

TIME TO CHOOSE
Camp is a place for your child to grow, explore, play and have fun with friends! Remember to plan early, do the right research, and make a match that best suits your childs interests and needs. And this summer, enjoy your HAPPY CAMPER!

Amy Rickman is the marketing/accreditation coordinator and Jenny Simpson is the Wills Park Camp Supervisor for the City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks. Alpharetta.Ga.us