F. A. Q.
How
can parents save money when enrolling their child in a summer camp?
How
can parents prepare their children for attending their first summer
camp?
How
do parents find if a summer camp has had any complaints filed
against them?
When
should teens start sending in their resumes to camp directors for
summer jobs?
What
qualities should parents look for in a great summer camp?
What
different types of summer camps are there?
If
my child takes medication during the school year, should my child
take it for summer camp?
How
are
campers disciplined? Are refunds given if my child has behavior
problems?
How
safe is the camp?
F.
A. Q. for Parents
How
can parents save money when enrolling their child in a summer camp? |
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#1 Register early to take full advantage of all early-bird discounts!
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#2 ASK if they have scholarships, financial aid or a sliding scale.
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#3 Offer to volunteer at camp for a reduced or free camper
registration.
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#4 Ask friends of your child(ren) to register together for a group
discount. |
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How
can parents prepare their children for attending their first summer
camp? |
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Day camps are more fun when children know at least one other camper who
will be attending. Don't assume that they will be in the same group,
let the camp director know your preferences when you initially register
your child.
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Take a tour of the facility. Let them view their website ahead of time.
The more familiar they are with the environment, the less overwhelming
they will feel.
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For residential camps, make sure that this isn’t the first
time your child will be sleeping away from home. Let them practice
overcoming their separation anxiety with a couple of sleep-overs with
friends or family before going to a residential camp. |
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How
do parents find if a summer camp has had any complaints filed
against them? |
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Look up the camp on the Better Business Bureau for any grievances. (BBB.org)
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Ask your friends through social media (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace,
etc.) if they have had any positive or negative experiences with the
camp. Your friends will tell you! |
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When
should teens start sending in their resumes to camp directors for
summer jobs? |
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Many Camp Directors start receiving resumes in January and February.
Don't wait. With the high levels of unemployment, there will be a
tremendous competition for jobs. Send
follow-up emails and make phone calls to show your interest.
•
Camp
Directors want
fun camp counselors who campers will enjoy being around, while also
respecting and obeying them. The more experience you have
working with kids,
the better. Volunteer with your local schools, YMCA, churches, scouts,
and other civic organizations to build your experience levels. |
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What
qualities should parents look for in a great summer camp? |
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A
high percentage of returning campers shows that the campers had fun
last year.
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A
low camper-to-counselor ratio. 10:1 is good. 5:1 is great!
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Staff
trained in CPR, first aid skills, and conflict resolution techniques.
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Low staff-turnover shows good experience. |
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What
different types of summer camps are there? |
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Arts Camps
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Sports Camps
• Academic
Camps
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Church Camps
•
Residential Camps
•
Specialty Camps |
If
my child takes medication during the school year, should he/she
take it for summer camp? |
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First, consult with your child's pediatrician before ever deciding to
stop
treating your child with any medication.
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Most children with allergy, asthma, diabetes, attention and impulsivity
conditions are not "healed" during the summer months. Many times it can
be worse with the heat, additional exercise, and being outside.
Children with medical issues usually need
special treatment to help them enjoy
their summer camp experience the most.
•
For children who take medication
for their attention or impulsivity, it can be especially hard for them
to listen to instructions, get along with peers, and control their
impulses when they are not on medication. |
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How
are campers
disciplined? Are refunds given if my child has behavior problems? |
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Ask the Camp Director for a copy of their
discipline policy. If they don't have one, inquire how campers are
disciplined for misbehaving, It can vary from Time Out to clean-up
duty.
• Most camps do not give refunds for campers who violate camp
rules and they are expelled, but ask the Camp Director ahead of time
for clarity if this is a concern. |
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How
safe is the camp? |
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There are always accidents. How often do injuries happen? Ask the Camp
Director if they have had any serious injuries in the past. Is there
much turn-over in staff? Are there first aid kits easily accessible?
• Be sure to let the camp know if your child has any severe
allergies. Most day camps have a time for kids to play
outside, so
they need to know if your child is especially sensitive to bee stings,
sunburn, or accidents. |
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© 2013
www.CarolinaSummerCamps.com
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