Learn the skills you need to succeed. Camping Magazine is your primary source for the most recent trends in the camp industry, the latest research in the field of youth development, critical management tools, and innovative programming ideas. September/October 2010 articles address education, research, history, 2020 Toolbox, and much more.
Join more than 1,500 of your colleagues, presenters, and exhibiting personnel at the 2011 National Conference in San Diego. Fourplus packed days of quality education, social and issuesbased networking, professional trade-show access, and special events are designed to boost your professional development.
Children and youth need a community that: encourages achievement and builds self-esteem; promotes healthy lifestyles, fitness, and activity; teaches in a classroom without walls; instills appreciation, respect, and responsibility for the natural world around them; and inspires the confidence and courage to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Learn the skills you need to succeed. Camping Magazine is your primary source for the most recent trends in the camp industry, the latest research in the field of youth development, critical management tools, and innovative programming ideas. September/October 2010 articles address education, research, history, 2020 Toolbox, and much more.
Join more than 1,500 of your colleagues, presenters, and exhibiting personnel at the 2011 National Conference in San Diego. Fourplus packed days of quality education, social and issuesbased networking, professional trade-show access, and special events are designed to boost your professional development.
Children and youth need a community that: encourages achievement and builds self-esteem; promotes healthy lifestyles, fitness, and activity; teaches in a classroom without walls; instills appreciation, respect, and responsibility for the natural world around them; and inspires the confidence and courage to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Learn the skills you need to succeed. Camping Magazine is your primary source for the most recent trends in the camp industry, the latest research in the field of youth development, critical management tools, and innovative programming ideas. September/October 2010 articles address education, research, history, 2020 Toolbox, and much more.
Join more than 1,500 of your colleagues, presenters, and exhibiting personnel at the 2011 National Conference in San Diego. Fourplus packed days of quality education, social and issuesbased networking, professional trade-show access, and special events are designed to boost your professional development.
Children and youth need a community that: encourages achievement and builds self-esteem; promotes healthy lifestyles, fitness, and activity; teaches in a classroom without walls; instills appreciation, respect, and responsibility for the natural world around them; and inspires the confidence and courage to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Media
Tip
from the American Camp Association April 17, 2009
Seven
Questions Parents Should Ask when Choosing
a Camp
As summer vacation gets closer, many parents—in
fact, parents of more than 10 million children—l
make the decision to send their children
to summer camp. While some families
have already decided on a camp, others
are still exploring their options. For
these families, it can be difficult to
choose – especially when the diversity
of camps today reflects the diversity of
America. There is truly a camp for every
child, every interest, and every budget.
The American Camp Association® (ACA)
recommends that parents ask the following
questions to get a better feel for which
camp experience best suits their child:
What is the camp's philosophy and
program emphasis? – Each
camp has its own method of constructing
programs based on its philosophy. Does
it complement your family’s philosophy?
Does the camp focus on learning through
competition, or through cooperative
learning? How does the camp handle
homesickness and other adjustment issues?
What is the camp director's background? – ACA
recommends directors possess a bachelor's
degree, have completed in-service training
within the past three years, and have
at least sixteen weeks of camp administrative
experience before assuming the responsibilities
of director.
What training do counselors receive? – At
a minimum, camp staff should be trained
in safety regulations, emergency procedures
and communication, behavior management
techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate
staff and camper behavior, and specific
procedures for supervision.
How are behavioral and disciplinary
problems handled? – This
is where the director's philosophy
comes through loud and clear. Do they
use positive reinforcement? What are
the rules and consequences?
How does the camp handle special
needs? – For a child with
special requirements, parents should
ask the camp director about needed
provisions and facilities. Is there
a nurse on staff? A designated place
to store insulin or allergy medicine?
Are special foods available for campers
with restricted diets? Every question
is important.
What about references? – Parents
shouldn’t be afraid to ask for
references. This is generally one of
the best ways to check a camp's reputation
and service record.
Is the camp accredited by the American
Camp Association? Why? Why not? – ACA-Accredited® camps
meet up to 300 health and safety standards.
This does not guarantee a risk-free
environment, but it's some of the best
evidence parents have of a camp's commitment
to a safe and nurturing environment
for their children.
About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance
the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs
ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally
challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps
that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
Learn the skills you need to succeed. Camping Magazine is your primary source for the most recent trends in the camp industry, the latest research in the field of youth development, critical management tools, and innovative programming ideas. September/October 2010 articles address education, research, history, 2020 Toolbox, and much more.
Join more than 1,500 of your colleagues, presenters, and exhibiting personnel at the 2011 National Conference in San Diego. Fourplus packed days of quality education, social and issuesbased networking, professional trade-show access, and special events are designed to boost your professional development.
Children and youth need a community that: encourages achievement and builds self-esteem; promotes healthy lifestyles, fitness, and activity; teaches in a classroom without walls; instills appreciation, respect, and responsibility for the natural world around them; and inspires the confidence and courage to become the leaders of tomorrow.
