- Identify the camp’s program emphasis: Every camp has a different philosophy and program emphasis.
Knowing your child’s personality and learning style, you can determine if a camp that promotes healthy
competition among camp “teams” is the best choice, or if a camp based on cooperative learning is a better fit for
your child.
- Confirm that the camp is accredited: In order to pass
standards of health, safety and program matters important to a
camp’s operation.
- Ask about the camp director’s background: To ensure that the
standards set by ACA, which recommend that directors are at least 25,
hold a bachelor’s degree, have in-depth experience in camp
administration and have performed in-service training in the
last three years.
- Counselor-to-camper ratios: To make sure your child is getting
the camp’s counselor-to-camper ratio to ACA standards. For
resident camps, the general recommended ratio is 6:1 for 7 and 8
year olds, 8:1 for 9 to 14 year olds and 10:1 for campers ages 15
to 17. For day camps, the general ratios range from 8:1 for 6, 7
and 8 year olds, 10:1 for 9 to 14 year olds and 12:1 for campers
ages 15 to 17.
- (Please note, the above-cited child-to-counselor ratio standards are only ACA's general, MINIMUM
recommendations and may vary depending on various situations and/or conditions. Moreover, there could be
additional standards relating to specific programs and/or activities where more supervision may be prudent, if
not recommended and/or required. Accordingly, you should use your own judgement and conduct your own
research to decide what is appropriate for you and your child.)
- Inquire about camp staff: Counselors can greatly enhance a child’s camp experience. In addition to facilitating
camp activities, counselors serve as role models, and should be dependable, trustworthy, and show enthusiasm
for their role. For safety reasons, counselors should also be CPR and First Aid-Certified, and have undergone
criminal background checks prior to employment by the camp.
- Accommodation of special needs: If your child has special needs due to a medical condition or allergy, be sure
to ask if the camp is equipped to handle these special requirements for your child.
- Find out about how the camp handles discipline: As in any organization, rules are needed, yet the camp’s
disciplinary approach should be fair and openly communicated. Positive reinforcement, a sense of fair play and
assertive role-modeling are important things to look for. If penalties apply to certain violations, camp staff
should apply them fairly, calmly and without unnecessary criticism.
- Check the camp’s references: References can provide you with a glimpse of the experiences others have had
at a camp, and are an important way of checking out a camp’s track record and reputation. Camp directors
should be willing to provide references upon request.
If you have any questions or to request further information, please contact us at info@surfcampsearch.com
Choosing a camp for your child can be a challenging and
sometimes overwhelming task. There is a seemingly endless
variety of camps to consider, and matching one to your child’s
interests, personality and schedule can be daunting.
Furthermore, as a parent, you have the responsibility to make
sure the camp you choose is operated in a safe, appropriate
manner for your child’s age and skill levels.
Following is a camp selection check list for parents developed by
camp expert Eric Naftulin, an American Camp Association
ambassador and owner/operator of Aloha Beach Camp, a Los
Angeles, California summer beach day camp for kids and teens
ages five to 15.
With nearly two decades of camp experience, Naftulin
understands the challenges parents face during camp enrollment
season and offers the following tips to help guide them through
the camp selection process.
sometimes overwhelming task. There is a seemingly endless
variety of camps to consider, and matching one to your child’s
interests, personality and schedule can be daunting.
Furthermore, as a parent, you have the responsibility to make
sure the camp you choose is operated in a safe, appropriate
manner for your child’s age and skill levels.
Following is a camp selection check list for parents developed by
camp expert Eric Naftulin, an American Camp Association
ambassador and owner/operator of Aloha Beach Camp, a Los
Angeles, California summer beach day camp for kids and teens
ages five to 15.
With nearly two decades of camp experience, Naftulin
understands the challenges parents face during camp enrollment
season and offers the following tips to help guide them through
the camp selection process.
| How to Choose a Camp... Important information from SurfCampSearch.com |
| Photo courtesy of Aloha Beach Camp |
| When searching for a camp, Surf Camp Search.com recommends one accredited by the American Camp Association |
Whether you're looking for a surf camp, surf school, surfing instruction or surfing lessons, or just want information
about how to choose a camp, you'll find it here at Surf Camp Search.com, the search camp directory and search engine
for surf camps!
about how to choose a camp, you'll find it here at Surf Camp Search.com, the search camp directory and search engine
for surf camps!
