By Mike McDonell, President Kidventure
Let’s face it, parents—we live in a world vastly different from the one we grew up in. Back then, we roamed the neighborhood in search of adventure. We transformed empty lots into playgrounds, built forts from blankets and encyclopedias, didn’t need to charge our Big Wheel, and turned something as simple as a stick into endless possibilities. Hand your child a stick today and ask them how they’d play with it—you might get a bewildered look in return.
Our world is now faster-paced, technology-driven, and more structured than ever. The bar for keeping kids engaged and entertained has never been higher. That’s why summer camp is more essential today than ever before.
A well-chosen camp can provide your child with opportunities for self-discovery, social interaction, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Yet, with so many options available, selecting the right program can feel overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, here are key questions to ask when evaluating summer camps.
We have leaned on our 31 years of camp experience to help provide your family with a thorough set of considerations, insights, and questions you can ask to help find the right summer camp for your child. Use this information in selecting a camp that will cross off all the boxes for you and give your camper the opportunity to grow and and have fun.
General Camp Considerations
- Is this camp the right fit for my child? Too often, parents choose camps based on their own interests rather than those of their child. Your child might thrive in a gardening camp, even if it’s not your first choice. Look for programs that align with their passions and personality.
- Will this camp help my child feel successful? Every camp should have a clear mission focused on making kids feel confident, capable, and valued. Choose a camp that prioritizes personal growth and achievement.
- Does the camp have a strong track record? Read reviews, request references, and speak with other parents. A camp with a history of quality programming and positive experiences is more likely to be a great fit.
- Is the camp licensed? In Texas, most camps should be licensed by the State of Texas Youth Camps Division, ensuring they meet essential safety and operational standards. If a camp that should be licensed is not, it could face sudden shutdowns, impacting your child’s experience.
- Is the curriculum age-appropriate? A well-designed program considers age differences. A six-year-old shouldn’t be playing dodgeball with twelve-year-olds, and a high staff-to-camper ratio is crucial for children with sensory needs. Ask how activities are tailored to different age groups and abilities.
Questions About Camp Staff
The heart of any camp isn’t its facilities or equipment—it’s the people who run it. Quality staff can make or break your child’s camp experience. Consider asking:
- What is the camper-to-counselor ratio?
- What are the staff’s minimum qualifications and ages?
- What medical qualifications and procedures are in place?
- Are background checks conducted annually and on a national level?
- What is the camp’s policy on hiring individuals with prior records?
- How does the camp handle discipline?
- What are the pickup and drop-off procedures?
Programming and Activities
Your child’s experience hinges in great part on the quality of the camp’s curriculum. Good camps plan carefully, accounting for factors like weather, age differences, and group sizes. Here are some key programming questions:
- Are activities designed to be age-appropriate? How does the camp ensure this?
- What percentage of activities take place outdoors versus indoors? How does the camp accommodate for extreme summer heat?
- How are children grouped by age? Are activities structured accordingly?
- Are there field trips? If so, what are the transportation arrangements, and is there air conditioning on board?
Overnight Camp Considerations
If your child is attending an overnight camp, additional factors come into play. In addition to the previous questions, consider asking:
- What are the sleeping arrangements? Not all camps have air conditioning—if this is important to you, make sure to ask.
- What are the camp’s waterfront safety policies? Are lifeguards present at all water activities?
- What is the camp’s policy on technology use? Some camps have strict no-phone policies, while others allow limited access.
- What are the meal options? Can they accommodate allergies or special dietary needs?
Making the Best Choice
While this list isn’t exhaustive, these questions will help you gather valuable insights to select the best camp for your child. At the end of the day, the camp you choose should be safe, camper-focused, and provide an environment where your child feels comfortable and excited to learn and grow.
Summer camp has the power to be transformative—it fosters courage, teamwork, empathy, grit, independence, and confidence. After more than 30 years of running summer camps, I’ve seen firsthand the lifelong impact a great camp experience can have on a child.
Take the time to find a program that aligns with your child’s needs and interests, ask the right questions, and make an informed choice. The rewards of a great summer camp experience will stay with them for a lifetime. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We love to talk camp and take care of our families.
Happy camping!
