How
early should I start my camp search?
It's best to start your camp search the
summer before your child will attend camp.
After you have narrowed your search to a
list of finalists, ACA New England recommends visiting
them while camp is in session. Searching
early allows you to apply early to your
first-choice camp, avoiding potential waiting
lists. Searching early also allows families
enough time to prepare fully for camp, which
is essential for first-time campers.
How do I conduct
a camp search?
Basic camp search steps:
How
do we determine our expectations?
List the most important elements of your
family's camp search, keeping in mind your
child's personality. First and foremost,
ask if your child is ready for a camp experience.
Consider what type of camp experiences could
round out or reinforce your child's school
year experiences. Is your child ready to
sleep away from home for several days or
weeks? (This will help you select either
a resident or day camp setting.) What are
his or her interests and needs? Does he
or she have any special dietary or physical
needs?
The following definitions may be useful:
Resident Camp
Resident camps are generally for children,
ages 7-15. Children stay for one to eight
weeks and may sleep in cabins, tents, yurts,
tepees, hostels or a variety of other types
of accommodations.
Day Camp
Day camps generally serve children ages
3-13. Campers return home at the end of
the day.
Specialty Camps
and Programs (Day or Resident)
Specialty camps and specialty programs at
general camps offer campers the opportunity
to concentrate in specific areas such as
horseback riding, the arts, wilderness and
adventure tripping, travel, sports or computers.
| Is the Camp ACA-accredited? |
| Do you have a maximum
traveling time or distance? Will your
child need transportation? |
| What session length
will appeal to your child and to your
family plans for the summer? (1-8 weeks) |
| What is your budget
for camp tuition? Camp remains a very
affordable option for most everyone.
Fees can range from $15 to $180 per
day, depending upon the choice of camp,
the facilities offered and the camper's
needs. Many camps offer financial assistance
based on need. |
| What size of camp
community will make your child feel
comfortable? |
| What kind of scheduling
method will make your child most comfortable?
Will he or she feel comfortable about
making activity choices every day? Once
a week? Every two weeks? |
| What level of competition
suits your child? |
| What activities or
program would most interest your child
at camp? |
| Would a single sex
or coed camp be most appropriate for
your child? |
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How
do we identify appropriate camp options?
| Searching the ACA New England Camp Directory,
checking at your local library or exploring
the camp section of your local newspaper. |
| Attending camp fairs and expos. |
| Asking friends,
family, co-workers, teachers, coaches
and doctors for recommendations. |
Once you have identified appropriate options,
contact the camps and request their marketing
materials.
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How
do we choose from one camp from the options
we've selected?
| Review the camps'
brochures, Web sites, videos, DVDs,
and CD ROMs with your child. |
| Talk with directors
and/or camp representatives. |
| Request parent references
and check them. |
| How can I stay in
touch with my child during camp? Does
the camp allow phone calls or e-mail? |
| Does the camp have
parent visitation days? |
| How will the camp
meet my child's special dietary or physical
needs? |
| What training does
the staff receive on safety, supervision,
counseling, problem solving and other
issues unique to working with young
children? |
| Is the price all-inclusive
or are there extra charges for transportation,
horseback riding, food service, overnights,
group pictures, field trips, waterskiing,
Tshirts, extended care, camp uniforms,
registration? |
| If transportation
is offered, what are the specifics? |
| If before- and after-camp
extended care is offered, who is with
the children and what activities take
place? |
| Is an open house
offered before camp starts so that you
can tour the camp and visit with the
director? |
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|
 |
| Selecting a Camp |
| Staff who can assist with your camp search are only
a call or a click away. |
| E-mail Us |
| (781) 541-6080 |
Toll Free
(866) 534-2267 |
| Guide to Summer Camp (PDF) |
|
