From Campfires to Computers


Choosing a Camp for your Child


Written By Bobbi j Geise

I have a vivid memory of calling home.  It was a few days before my first ever two-week overnight camp was to end.

“Hi Mom!”

“Hi honey, how’s camp been?”

“Great. In fact there’s been a cancellation in the next session, can I stay?

We talked a bit further and I eagerly told her about the activities I participated in: archery, leather working, riflery, sailing… none of which were activities my parents suggested I do as they sent their youngest daughter to her first sleep-over camp.

Unbeknownst to me, my Mother hung up the phone and cried.  She thought for sure I called to come home early.

I asked her about this the other day.  More than 35 years later she recalled the experience as if it was yesterday, though today she sheds tears of laughter.  Like most loving parents, they were a bit apprehensive about my first big camp outing.  I had been to a day camp, but never spent more than a night away from home.  Two weeks seemed like a long time to them.  At age nine, two weeks was beyond my comprehension.

There are skills, understandings and relationships I developed at camp that continue to influence who I am today.  When I asked my parents what experiences they thought camp would offer, they used words like: outdoor time, friendships, self-confidence, personal responsibility, decision making, cultural diversity and of course a good dose of fun.  As my archery instructor would say, “They were dead on!”

So many choices

With so many camps to choose from now-a-day, how do you begin to find the right camp for your child?

First things first, unless your child is innately adventuresome and somewhat outgoing, start with a camp that offers activities that are familiar and of interest.  If they are apprehensive, find a buddy to sign up with.  After acquiring some positive experiences, explore programs a bit out of their comfort zone.  Camp should provide opportunity to build on existing talents, expand a child’s experiences and interests, and at the same time nurture new skills, understandings and relationships.

From the heart of a camper

The bottom line is, even if a child doesn’t express interest in camp, when asked to design their ideal camp, they all want to have fun.  My friends’ daughter Sophie, who has never been to camp, says she would like “Lots of fun activities like rock climbing, being outside, playing and running around... Did I say having fun?”  Trisha, a seasoned camper, likes to choose camps that match her current interests.  Add being with friends, making friends, exploring, being outside, and you’ve got a good picture of what most children and teens expect from camp.

From the eyes of a parent

After polling many camp parents, I found the criteria for choosing camps has changed very little over the years.  Most parents look first at logistics like schedule (theirs and camp), location and cost.  Next is the type of activities offered that their child may enjoy, camp reputation, and fun-factor.  Also on the radar are staff training, supervision and safety.  Hands down, parents learn the most about camps through word of mouth.

From the desk of a camp administrator

Like judging a book from its cover, there is more to learn from day and overnight camps than the objectives councelors share at orientation.  Such ‘learning’ also positively influences a child’s physical, social and cognitive growth.  When researching, ask camps about these other learning expectations and opportunities.

Accreditation is another way to assure that a camp meets certain standards.  That said, accreditation is expensive for smaller budget organizations and is not always applicable to all camp situations.  Other methods of investigating camp credentials are to talk with other parents, surf the web, attend Bozeman’s Summer Activities Round Up on April 7, request parent references if available, and ask about staff hiring criteria and training.  What does a ‘day in the life of a camper’ look like?  Ask your child and yourself what you expect from a camp.

Be prepared.  Take time to review camp materials with your child, especially the packing list and daily activities.  Discuss any feelings and expectations you and your child may have prior to camp.  Pack healthy nutritious snacks, lunches and plenty of water. Encourage and follow-up with new budding friendships.

And the final word

A tired and enthusiastic camper is one sign of a successful camp experience.  Be prepared for lots of stories, being wound up and being worn out. Expect a few bumps and bruises from daily excursions.  Enjoy learning about new friends, activities and places to explore as a family.  Every child’s ‘take-home’ lessons will vary.  As these new camp experiences are applied in other avenues of your child’s life, watch them blossom with the summer sun.

Bobbi  j. Geise has run summer camps of different flavors for the past 20 years.  She is also the director of Learning By Nature, which provides educational workshops and innovative landscape designs for schools, business and developments wishing to connect children and families to nature.  More articles and resources can be found at www.LearningByNature.org.