Deleware Online - The News Journal - February 2, 2003
Right activities keep kids high on camp

By CHRISTINE FACCIOLO

Sending your child to camp can be the antidote for summer doldrums. Ideally, not only does camp keep kids active and entertained, it also can teach cooperation and build self-esteem.

"The summer-camp community can play a starring role in our young people's lives," says Jeff Solomon, executive director of the National Camp Association.

But with so many choices, how do you find the one that's best for your child?

Most camps offer traditional activities, such as hiking, swimming and arts and crafts. However, an increasing number of facilities specialize. For example, some might focus solely on music, a sport or computers.

Before you settle on a particular camp, experts recommend you make every effort to determine what your child wants and why.

"It does no good to send your child to sports camp if he's not interested in athletics," says Crystal Himes, senior program director at the Western Family YMCA near Newark.

But even if your child has a strong interest in a certain activity, experts caution against choosing a specialty camp the first time around. General camps expose kids to a full range of activities, which allows them to develop other interests and skills, Solomon says. These programs also tend to be more nurturing and supportive, which can be especially helpful to the first-time camper.

Camps also vary in how independent they allow campers to be. Some keep children busy with a full slate of programmed activities, while others give participants more freedom to pursue activities of their own choosing. In general, Solomon says, older children tend to do better in more relaxed settings than do younger campers.

It also is important to consider your child's personality when selecting a camp. A shy child probably will do better in a camp that emphasizes cooperative learning, while a star athlete might prefer a camp that features competitive play.

To determine a camp's philosophy and values, experts recommend you meet with its director. Most will arrange home visits with prospective campers and their families.

And don't be afraid to ask questions. Be sure to find out the number of campers and staff who return from year to year as well as the camper-to-counselor ratio.

For general camps, the average return rate is 60 percent, according to the American Camping Association, and the recommended camper-counselor ratio is 6 to 1 for ages 6 to 8 and 8 to 1 for 9- to14-year-olds.

For counselors, the national average return rate is 40 percent to 60 percent, according to the NCA. That percentage suggests the camp treats its staff well. Also, the continuity allows campers to form bonds with counselors, Solomon says.

More revealing, however, is the record of the supervisory staff. Solomon says that while you can expect some turnover with college-age counselors, you want to see a high rate of return among key personnel. Also, he says, make sure instructors are well-trained and have extensive experience in working with children.

Above all, plan early, experts say. Now is the peak time - by spring most camps are filled.

"Camps fill up quickly," says Himes. "All too often a child gets sent to a camp not because it's a good fit, but because it has a vacancy."

Ultimately, the rewards of making a good decision can be far-reaching. "No child is right for every camp, but there's a camp that's right for every child," Solomon says.