CAMPS 1 4 CAROL SORGEN Special to The Jewish News S ummer camp is a tradi- tion many children look forward to year after year. But a valuable camp experience doesn't hap- pen by chance. It's the result of months of planning and de- cision-making by the family, and it's a process that should begin now. "Too many parents wait until April or May to begin looking for a camp," says Jeff Solomon, executive director of the New York-based National Camp Association. "By then it's too late to really spend the time and effort that's needed to pick the appropriate camp for your child." Many factors should be ex- amined when selecting a camp, Mr. Solomon continues. "The big mistake parents make is choosing a summer camp based on its popularity and assuming it will be best for their child. But the pro- gram may not suit him or her. There is a right camp for every child, but it's not going to be the same for everyone." Indeed, he adds, "many par- ents do not make good de- cisions when it comes to choosing a camp for their children. Some parents send their child to the camp they attended, without consider- ing how the camp may have changed or how their needs and wants differ from their child's. In other cases, the child attends a camp which a friend has enjoyed, the as- sumption being that if the friend enjoyed it, your child will too. That's not necessar- ily the case." According to Mr. Solomon, camps should be selected that meet the needs, interests, goals and expectations of both parents and children. Camp should provide a child with a break from rou- tine, a sense of freedom and an opportunity to do some- thing that is different from what he does throughout the year — whether it's trying out something creatively or sup- plementing and enriching a particular interest or skill such as sports, computers or 60 FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 1991 Enthusiastic campers jet ski at Camp Walden in Cheboygan, Michigan. According to Thomson K. Heinrichs, senior manager for community programs at United Community Services of Metropolitan Detroit and executive director of the Detroit-area Metropolitan Camp Council, Michigan has a comprehensive set of camp licensing standards. "Our state standards are emulated nationally," he says. Mr. Heinrichs notes that the state certification is bas- ed on many factors including a quality staff, camp prepara- tions, medical facilities and fire safety. "There is a com- plete range of standards. They are not punitive. They are healthy and provide for excellent camping," says Mr. Heinrichs. Only a few of the Michigan camps are accredited by the American Camping Associa- tion. Mr. Heinrichs explains that the state licensing stan- dards are rigorous and for that reason Michigan camps do not have to affiliate. Ruthe Lax, director of the Michigan office of Student Camp and Trip Advisors (SCATA), offers a free referral service for prospective campers. SCATA represents 650 camps, tour organizers and schools, all of which have been visited by SCATA representatives. Ms. Lax first talks with the parents and the child to find out what type of activities and interests the camper has. At the next meeting she presents individualized camp choices. "I give clients access to an enormous varieties of summer activities for kids between the ages of 6 and 23," says Ms. Lax. "If I were a parent, I would ask for an interview with the camp director, and I would ask about the staff training program which should be at least a week," says Mr. Heinrichs. Mr. Heinrichs adds that parents should ask if camp fees are inclusive of all ac- tivities. In fact, parents should not hesitate to ask any questions. There is no one best camp for everyone. Camps are as different as kids. ❑ . How To Choose A Camp Experts give advice on how to choose the best camp for your child. drama — in a structured, time-limited way. With more than 8,500 day and residential camps in the United States, choosing the camp that will meet your child's needs can seem over- whelming. Organizations such as the National Camp Association and the American Camping Associa- tion publish guidelines to help parents make the right decision. According to Jeff Solomon of the National Camping Asso- ciation, parents should start the camp selection process by making a list of the camps that are possibilities. Whenever possible, meet with the directors of the camps in which you are interested. Look for someone who has been in that position for at least four years. Then ask the following questions: What percentage of camp- ers return each year? Who are the staff members? How are they hired? Does the staff return from year to year? What is the staff training? What is the counselor- camper ratio? What are the camp facili- ties and how convenient are they for campers? Is the schedule a structured program or one that em- phasizes a lot of choice? What is the camp philoso- phy? Does it focus more on sports or on arts? Is it a diverse program? What is the camp's attitude toward competitiveness? Is the camp accredited by an overseeing organization or by the state? What are the sleeping ar- rangements and toilet and shower facilities? What is the food like, and who prepares it? What medical staff and fa- cilities are available? What insurance coverage is there?