10 Questions Parents Should Ask About Day Camp

For both parents and kids, it’s never too early to start thinking about plans for the summer. Parents want to make sure their children are safe, supervised and engaged in activities that keep their minds and bodies active.  Kids just want to make sure they’ll have fun.

Whether your child is a budding scientist, a gymnast, or an intrepid explorer, day camps offer a convenient, safe, and affordable summer option. Day camps give parents the flexibility of enrolling their children just for the sessions that suit their needs. Programs are offered for a wide variety of age groups, often from preschooler to teen.  And best of all, everyone comes home at the end of the day!

Here’s a quick, 10-question checklist to get you started when choosing a day camp for your child:

1. Does the camp focus on a specific skill area, or does it offer a broad range of experiences?
2. Can half-day options be combined for a full day of camp?
3. Is early drop-off and late pick-up available?
4. Do you do background checks on your staff?
5. What kind of training does the staff receive?
6. What’s the counselor-to-camper ratio?
7. What does a typical day look like for a camper?
8. Is there swimming, and are swimmers tested?
9. How does the camp handle emergencies?
10. Is financial assistance available?

Be sure to keep your kids involved in the decision-making process. Take them to camp open houses. Let them flip through camp guides. And talk to your friends for recommendations. The right day camp will give your kids the chance to develop and learn new skills, enjoy nature, experience independence, make new friends and build memories that last a lifetime.