Questions to Ask a Summer Camp Before Choosing One

Feb 9, 2011
Toby Welch

Summer Camps Provide Memories that Last Forever - Becket Chimney Corners YMCA

There are a wide variety of summer camps to send your child to. How do you know which one to pick? You have to ask a lot of questions.

The best way to find out if a summer camp is right for you and your child is to ask lots of questions. Speak to the camp director or another person in charge and make sure you are satisfied with the answers you receive. As SMARTRISK, a Canadian non-profit charitable organization dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives, points out, “By taking time to research and ask the right questions, you can find a camp that minimizes injury risks and is appropriate for your child, creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

Question for the Summer Camp Director

Keep this list of questions handy when you are talking with the camp director and the staff:

What is the ratio of counsellors/staff to children?
What are the ages of the counsellors? (Provinces have a minimum age limit, usually around 17. Check with your provincial camping association.)
What safety training does the staff receive?
What is the camp’s philosophy? (What is the camp trying to accomplish and do the camp’s goals mesh with yours?)
Is the camp accredited with the provincial camping association? If not, why?
What is the camp director’s background?
Does the camp have a crisis management plan?
What percentage of attendees are return campers? (A high percentage of returning children usually means a high level of satisfaction.)
How are discipline issues handled?
Does the camp have a zero tolerance policy for staff and campers for alcohol and drugs?
Have there been any deaths or injuries at the camp? If so, what happened and how did the camp respond?
How are homesickness issues handled?
What criteria are used to determine whether a child is feeling a little blue or if a parent needs to be called to pick up the child?
How much does the camp cost?
What are the registration and cancellation policies?
Should the children bring extra money for themselves?
What does the menu look like? Is it based on the Canada Food Guide or developed by a registered dietician? Are there healthy snacks?
What medical services are available? Is there a place children can go if they feel ill?
How well-stocked is the first-aid or medical unit?
How long does it take an ambulance to get to the camp?
Where is the closest medical facility?
Does the camp give you a 24-hour emergency number to call?
How often are clothes laundered?
Can the children bring food from home?
How are the children’s personal belongings stored?
Are you allowed to drop into the camp at any time during regular activities? If not, why?
Are the different age groups kept separate for activities and sleeping?
What is the procedure for major injuries such as a broken bone, seizures, or serious illness? (Keep in mind that some camps have a higher injury rate due to the activities involved.)
Does the camp supply references? Call and ask past camp attendees about their experiences at the camp.
How do children get to and from the camp? Is there a bus or is it up to the parents?
How will the camp handle the specific needs of YOUR child?

Make sure you are comfortable with the answers you receive. If not, keep digging for more information until you are satisfied or able to make a decision.

Visit the Camp for Reassurance on Your Decision

If possible, visit the camp beforehand and get to know some of the staff members. Wander the camp area and check it out. Inspect the sleeping facilities, washrooms, cooking areas, playgrounds, etc. Does the area look safe and well-maintained? If anything bothers you, even if it something you can’t put your finger on, consider finding another camp.