Thirteen things to look for when choosing an overnight summer camp

3. Choosing just the right overnight summer camp for your
youngster is a huge deal. After all, you’ll be sending them
off, without your care and supervision …

4. … for a big piece of the summer, and you’ll want to
be sure they’re safe, happy, having fun and
growing in positive ways.

5. By keeping a few basic must-haves in mind, you
can sleep a little easier on those much quieter
summer nights.

6. Safety is key.

7. It’s great when your kids
have fun, but, arguably,
safety is the most
important component of a
sleepaway experience.

8. Are counselors and
instructors well-trained
and certified?
Are the grounds well-
maintained and is all
safety equipment
routinely inspected?
What kind of training
do counselors have?

9. Counselors and instructors should undergo
thorough training.

10. They should also be background checked, have
verifiable references and have had a criminal
records search.

11. Is there a program in place to help
kids overcome homesickness?

12. Homesickness is a normal part of adjusting to camp
for many children and staff should be skilled …

13. … at helping kids overcome this (usually)
temporary sadness.

14. Is it easy for you to communicate with the camp
regarding any concerns with your child?

15. While many camps allow kids to call home only in
emergencies, you should be able to easily get in touch
with camp staff if you have any issues you need to discuss.

16. You should know you’ll be immediately
contacted if your youngster is sick or injured.

17. Don’t assume the camp is accredited. Do your own
background check and make sure the camp is
accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).

18. This is generally a good indicator that the camp will
do its utmost to ensure your child’s health, happiness
and safety.

19. What is the ratio of counselors to campers? A relatively
low ratio is best…with a camper-to-staff ratio of about 10
to 1 being optimum for kids 8-14 years of age.

20. How safe does recreational equipment look?

21. Everything should be well-maintained:
Docks and diving boards
Rock climbing walls
Canoes and mountain bikes

22. There should be sufficient supervision on the
waterfront at all times and safety gear in areas like the
high ropes course should be in top shape.

23. Does the camp foster a sense of community among
campers and staff?

24. Are kids encouraged to work as a team, to see the
other person’s point of view and to treat each other
and staff with respect?

25. Is there an official stance on bullying and discipline?

26. See for yourself.

27. If at all possible, visit a camp while it is in session.
This way, you can see if the kids and counselors
seem engaged …

28. … and that counselors seem interested in interacting
with campers. This is the best way to judge if the
camp seems right for your child.

29. Staff should be trained
in CPR and first aid.

30. Lifeguards should be certified and staff who
lead camping expeditions should have
wilderness certification.
Ask if there is a nurse or other medical staff
on-site or if a hospital or clinic is nearby.

31. Counselors and instructors should be chosen for their
integrity and character as well as personality. Find out if
there are specific training programs and what these are.

32. What is the return rate at the camp among both
campers and staff? A good return rate is around
50% indicating the camp is well-managed …

33. … and can preserve the traditions so important
to creating a sense of bonding and community
among campers.

34. Is the program itself exciting and well-rounded?
In a traditional-style camp, there should be a
range of activities to engage campers …

35. … so that every child can not only enjoy favorite
activities but can experiment with new and
exciting challenges.

36. If you're considering sending your child to an
overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site
to learn about Camp Walt Whitman.

37. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire,
Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing
environment in a beautiful mountain setting.

38. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate
areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and
make friendships that can last a lifetime.

39. www.campwalt.com

40. Camp Walt Whitman
1000 Cape Moonshine Rd
Piermont, NH 03779
603-764-5521
cww@campwalt.com