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Is the time right for your child to go to summer camp?

March 2008

If the thought of packing up the kids and waving goodbye for a few hours a day-- or few weeks-- sounds like a slice of summer heaven, then you’ve probably already started researching overnight or summer day camp. But if you, or your child, are meeting the thought of the camp experience with some trepidation, worries about being away from each other may be getting between your child and a summer experience filled with independence and fun.

Kids at camp have opportunities to try out new things, take risks, and accomplish things they didn't think they could do. Choosing the right camp can be a rewarding experience for both parent and child!

The YMCA of Greater Hartford, which operates overnight resident and day camps in Connecticut serving more than 10,000 campers from across the state, offers the following suggestions to finding a camp both you and your child will feel good about.

Consider your child’s past separation experiences. Have friendly sleepovers or overnight visits with family been a success? Does he or she leave for school with confidence? The answer is probably a resounding “yes!” At a properly staffed, well-operated summer camp, that confidence will translate into a successful overnight camp experience. If time away from home has been less-than-ideal, the relaxed summer months may be just the right time to encourage independence with a day-camp session.

Where will your child’s friends spend the summer? Today’s parents may recall endless summer days filled with long bike rides, imaginative games, and neighborhood fun. The reality is that today, many neighborhoods are desolate come July, meaning that children who aren’t enrolled in summer programs are often left to fend for themselves. As everyday playmates scatter for summer, camp can fill the void with activities and experiences that will enrich your child’s days.

There are specialty camps designed to cater to nearly every interest. From rock climbing to rocketry, there are day and overnight resident camps designed to immerse your child in his or her favorite pastime. Of course, just as many offer the good old-fashioned outdoor summer experience with canoeing and water sports, arts and crafts, and camp songs. Choosing a summer camp is an adult responsibility, but be sure to start the process by asking your child what he or she envisions as the ideal experience.

News travels fast, and your child’s friends may have already tapped into the perfect place. Camps with a strong reputation have many return campers, and new ones who come for the first time as a result of word-of-mouth.

Be sure to choose a camp where you know your child will be safe. Connecticut camps licensed by the State Department of Public Health are regularly inspected for compliance with emergency preparedness, pesticide usage, and health and medication administration. American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation ensures the highest standards of program quality, safety and wellness, and camp operations. More rigorous than state licensure, a camp with ACA accreditation offers the assurance of a low ratio of staff to campers, with staff members who have been drug tested, and subject to background and criminal conviction checks.

Whether or not the camp on your list holds ACA accreditation, look at these important safety considerations:

• How is the waterfront managed to keep children safe? There should be strict lifeguard to child ratios, rescue procedures, and a system to account for campers’ whereabouts regularly. There should also be a system in place to keep non-swimmers or beginning swimmers out of deep waters.
• There should be safe, sanitary bathing and changing facilities readily available to campers—including sinks for regular hand washing.
• Drivers providing transportation for campers should be held to the same high standards of investigation as staff working directly with children.
• If the camp offers specialized activities like archery, boating, swim lessons or ropes courses, the instructors should be properly certified in their areas of expertise.

Don’t underestimate your child’s ability to be self-reliant—at least for a little while. The youngster who requires prompting to get dressed on time, pack up the homework, and even bathe can, and usually will, rise to the occasion when under the scrutiny of his or her peers. And who knows? These habits may well follow your child home!

For more information about camping with the YMCA of Greater Hartford, contact your local YMCA branch.

The YMCA of Greater Hartford is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) charitable organization which served more than 107,393 people in 41 towns of the Capital Region in 2007. YMCA programs put the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility into practice to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all participants.

Contact: Natalie Zembrzuski, YMCA, 860-522-9622 ext: 2309

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