Parents just got Junior on the bus, but it's not too early to think about next summer. Now's the time to tour prospective camps. Start your search by asking friends for recommendations. Then browse camp Web sites or call for videos; most camps offer at least one of these options. Narrow your choices to about three, says Marla Coleman, president of the American Camping Association, which accredits camps. "After that, it becomes overwhelming."
At most camps, you usually have to call to schedule a guided tour. That's the only way to really get a "sense of the community," says Coleman. "Every camp is distinctive." Besides checking out the facilities and food, watch how kids and counselors interact. After the tour, ask the director about the camp's philosophy and other vital stats. How do they balance competition versus cooperation? What is the age, training and return rate of counselors? What is the return rate of campers? A high return rate for both campers and counselors means stability. What is the policy on discipline and homesickness? The camp's values should be in line with your own. Are there limits on parent-child contact? Many camps restrict calls, especially the first week. For more, go to www.acacamps.org.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
