Summer camping is one of the great youth traditions in the United States. Over the last century, millions of young people have experienced the thrills of the great outdoors, the friendship that comes from living in close quarters, and the joys of being embedded in a life long community so much grander than a few summers of childhood. The independence and confidence that grows out of the sleepaway summer camp experience are undeniable. But which camp to choose? There are hundreds of camps across the continental US with programs emphasizing every imaginable activity, religion, or intellectual curiousity.
Here are a few suggestions for questions to ask when choosing a camp that fits the needs of your family members.
- What sort of camp should my child attend? First, consider what sort of experience your child could most benefit from or what sort of camp they may most enjoy. There are camps with a variety of activities to choose from and there are programs dedicated to a single pursuit (ex. “Space Camp”, “Choral Camp”, etc.). Once you have discerned which is the most attractive and fitting genre for your child, begin your search in earnest. Perhaps you can look in your locale or venture further out.
- What is the mission of the camp? What is their “why” and what, if any, core values are put forward?
- What sort of schedule will my camper have? Is it flexible or fairly regimented?
- How much individual choice will my camper exercise in this program?
- How long has the program been established?
- Who is the camp’s leadership? What sort of experience do they bring to the table? How long have they been with the program?
- What programs do they offer? How thorough is their instruction? Is programming kept in camp or do they take excursions out of camp?
- What sort of staff do they hire? Who hires them exactly and how do they vet them? How many of the staff were campers themselves and what is the camper-to-staff ratio?
- How long is their staff training and who trains them? What components are a part of a typical staff training for this camp?
- Who are the staff in lower leadership positions? What sort of experience do they have? What qualifications are encouraged or demanded by the camp?
- What sort of facilities does the camp have? Are they suitable for the program’s purposes? Are they safe?
- Are the campers “unplugged”? What is the camp’s philosophy towards how technology interacts with the average camper experience?
- How long are the camps sessions? Are these session lengths sufficient for the camp mission to find its mark with each camper?
- What sort of interaction is encouraged between the camper and his or her family throughout the session?
- What do alumni think of this camp? Is there a way to connect with and hear from camp alumni about their experiences with the programs?
Choosing the best summer camp for your child is a wonderful adventure to be on! There are many wonderful camps out there. Our recommendation is to ask what sort of camp can best accompany your child as they learn live their lives from an inner scaffolding of confidence, independence, self-esteem, and openness to faith. Will this camp help my child know that they are seen, known, and loved?
God bless you,
The Trufants and the CKC Staff
