MALVERN, Pa., May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For anyone who has ever been to camp, there is nothing quite like the experience. From feeling the warm summer air while canoeing on the lake or singing camp songs on the bus -- to getting glue stuck on your fingers from arts and crafts, and drinking "bug juice," with your lunch -- kids around the world relish and remember their camp experience forever.
Today, there are more than 10 million children attending summer camp in the U.S., according the American Camping Association (ACA). This year, the organization is celebrating the 150th anniversary of camp around the world, highlighting the dramatic impact the camp experience has had on people of all ages and from all walks of life.
There are plenty of choices when it comes to choosing a camp that is right for both children and young adults. With smaller family sizes, and technology giving kids more do in the summer at home, camp programs have seen a decline in enrollment. But, according to the ACA, more than 75 percent of camps in the U.S. have added new programs and activities to bring kids back into the fold, and attract new campers with a wide array of specialized experiences including: performing arts, computers, magic, space science, weight loss, sports and fitness, and many others. There are for-profit and not-for profit camps, as well as religious and government-affiliated programs, giving parents and kids no shortage of palatable choices.
Just like choosing a private school, or finding the best public school, parents need to do their homework. Of the many summer camp programs in the U.S., only 2,400 are accredited by the American Camping Association. While the application is voluntary, the ACA requires that a camp program meet 300 health and safety standards to receive the designation. According to Kristen M. Waterfield, president and COO of The Malvern School, which also runs an ACA-accredited summer camp program, there is no regulation of summer camps in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. "While pre-schools are regulated by a government agency, summer camps are not, so it's especially important to make sure you ask the right questions before enrolling your child," she said. "For example, in addition to making sure they have the ACA accreditation, parents should also check to see if there is a full time medical staff person on board, a counselor-to-camper ratio of 1:8, and 1:3 for the pool area. Also, they might want to see the log book of accidents, as well as the training and experience of the counselors."
Some other questions parents should ask before making their summer camp decisions include: is there a Red Cross-certified swimming program; are there air-conditioned areas where kids can get away from the heat; are the water areas well staffed; can you bring your child in for a site visit and talk to the camp director; are programs available for kids who may not be athletic or need special attention; and can parents have access to parent evaluations and testimonials.
Life is full of transitions, but for children, especially young ones, going off to summer camp for the first time can be the cause of needless anxiety. One of the best ways parents can help their children leave the structure of school behind, and embrace the relaxed atmosphere of summer, is by frequent communication. Waterfield, who began her career as an elementary school teacher, said that knowing what a child needs, and taking steps to meet those needs is crucial in helping them make the adjustment. "Every child is different. Some don't do well in a less structured environment, and others may have issues with separation anxiety. Generally, it's best to talk to your children about their fears, then create a game plan to tackle their particular issues," said Waterfield.
Some tactics Waterfield recommends for helping children acclimate to camp are: taking them to meet their counselor before camp starts; having the counselor assign them a buddy during the first week; encouraging the child to write postcards to their friends over the summer; discussing the new bedtime rules and more relaxed schedules one week before camp starts; putting photos or favorite snacks in their camp bags; and spending time talking about how much fun the summer will be in the camp environment.
Summer is all about fun and relaxation. But for those children lucky enough to go to camp, it can be a life-changing experience that will enrich their lives for years to come.
For more information on how to choose a summer camp, visit www.acacamps.org or www.malvernschool.com.
SOURCE The Malvern School
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