workingmother.com - 2004 issue
Campfire Secrets

by Rachel Deahl

Peg Smith, executive director of the American Camping Association (ACA), gave herself a pat on the back last summer when her son, Dayton, returned from a sleepaway camp for the first time and raved about how much fun it was. Even a pro like Smith knows it's not easy to match the right kid with the right camp. The first step: Talk to your child about the kind of experience he's hoping for this summer. When Smith's son told her that he wanted to try sleepaway camp, the researched places at informational websites like www.acacamps.org and www.KidsCamps.com before deciding on a YMCA camp in their home State of Indiana, Smith visitied it before registering Dayton and asked the director how many kids return each year -- good camps, like good businesses, will have many repeat customers. If you can't squeeze in a visit, request a promotional video or ask about camp-sponsored open houses in your area. Also, make sure the camp is ACA accredited, which means it meets national safety standards. Once the prep is done, you and your child can count down to the fun part; a few sublime weeks of freedom for both of you.