Children's Summer Advice

Weather you are going on a camp visit or are just watching a video and flipping through the brochure it is important to take note of many area that may affect your child's stay at camp. If an area is a top priority for your child and you can not find the information be sure to call the camp Director and ask questions. Summer Camp. Facilities Take careful note of the condition of the facilities. Are the buildings well maintained, or do they show clear signs of a lack of maintenance. Though well worn and rustic buildings are perfectly ok, make sure that they are not being neglected. Specific things you'll want to look for and ask about include:

Bunks:
- Do children live in cabins, tents, or dorms?
- How many beds are in each cabin?
- Are they bunk beds or individual cots?
- How do the campers choose which beds they want?
- Where do the campers store their belongings?
- Are the cabins to crowded? Is there enough storage space?
- Has the camp overbooked and crowded extra campers in?
- Are the cabins clean?
- Are beds made by the campers and belongings stowed?
- How many counselors sleep in each Cabin?

Bathrooms:
- Where are the toilets? Does each bunk have it's own toilets or is there a common bathhouse?
- If there is a common bathhouse, do children have to walk alone at night? Is the path lighted?
- Are there showers in each bunk?
- Do campers have to walk in their bathrobes/pajamas to the showers?
- If the camp is coed, how separate are the shower facilities?
- Who cleans the facilities, and how often?

Waterfront or Swimming Pool:
- Can the pool accommodate all swimmers?
- Are the waterfront areas for swimming, boating, water skiing and diving separate and clearly marked?
- What kind of waterfront toys are provided?
- What is the supervision and ratio of lifeguards to swimmers?
- Are life jackets always worn whebn boating?
- Are swimming tested on skills?
- How do the camp keep track ofr swimmers? Buddy board?

The Grounds:
- Are playing fields freshly reseeded and mowed?
- Are the trails clearly marked?
- Is the equipment in good condition?

Dinning Hall:
Your child will spend a lot of time in the Dinning Hall. Be sure the Camp understand this and work to make it a clean, exciting and nutritious experience If you have special dietary needs don't be forget to make sure they can accommodate your needs. Kids Summer Camp

- Can the whole camp to be served in one seating?
- Do cabins eat together or split up?
- How are meals served, buffet style or family style?
- What if your child doesn't like the main meal? what are the alternatives? Is there a salad bar?
- Are snacks served? How and what are the snacks?
- What is a typical menu?
- What are ther credentials of the cook?
- Is the kitchen inspected by local authorities? What are the safety and cleanliness standards?

Remember this article has to do with the comforts of camp and not with safety at camp. The American Camp Association has a certification program that looks at over 300 different aspects of camp. It is always best to select a camp that has been ACA Accredited. ACA CAMPS

You can learn more about selecting a wonderful Teen Summer Camp by visiting Summer Camp Advice

Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional coed Nature Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature, animals & science along with traditional camping activities. Swift specializes in programs for the Teenage Camper. To learn more fell free to visit our partner at Minnesota Summer Camps