As a parent selecting among the overnight summer camp choices in Wisconsin is a challenge. But with a little research, you can find the best summer camp for your child.
Here is a list of questions that we recommend you ask yourself, your child and the camp director. Because after all these are the folks involved in your final decision.
1. What’s are you looking for in a camp experience. Fun is an easy answer. Yet, you and your child will have to look deeper in order to pick the right camp. If you find there are differences it is time for more talking. Once you have a list of 5 or 6 items it is time to start your online search. Often overnight summer camps in WI look the same from outside, yet, each camp has its own flavor and philosophies. This could include things like competition vs non competition or hardship vs accommodation. Maybe it’s resort style vs life skills. Hence, it’s always better to know what you want before looking at the fancy video and pics.
2. How does the camp recruit, screen and train its staff? Camp staff is the heart & brain of every summer camp. Don’t assume every camp trains and supervises their staff in the same way. Therefore it is important to look for information that answers these questions: How is staff recruited?, What is the training process?, Where do staff come from?, How does your camp do background checks and reference checks.?
3. What’s a percent of your camp staff return? The American Camp Association says at most camps have 1/2 of their staff return. This is just a rule of thumb. If the number you’re given is much lower you might ask Why?
4. What’s the camper return rate? Again, 50% is a good number. The more the better, because it means campers are having a good time, parents trust the camp and there is a good chance your child will want to return.
5. How many counselors are there to campers? The American Camp Association guidelines for overnight camps call for> 1:6 ratio for ages 7 and 8; 1:8 for ages 9–14; and 1:10 for ages 15–18 Day camp guidelines call for> 1:8 for children ages 6–8; 1:10 for children ages 9–14; and 1:12 for ages 15–18.
6. How old are the counselors? According to the American Camp Association, 80% of the staff should be 18 or older and all other staff members must be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise. The better camps in Wisconsin use all staff over 18.
7. What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby? It is recommended that overnight camps have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access to a medical professional. However, most local codes do not require this stringent adherence to onsite care so it is important to look for this information.
8. How does the camp handle conflicts and Discipline? Carefully go through all camp’s rules and regulations. You should feel comfortable that the camp’s practices are in line with your parenting practices. After all, children may need discipline while at camp and you need to feel comfortable with another person disciplining your child.
9. What does a typical daily schedule look like? Most camps have different ways of scheduling the camp day. It is important to be sure you feel comfortable with what you see. For instance, if your child loves archery, can they do it every day? Don’t assume be sure to ask.
10. Does your camp provide transportation for the campers? If so how is this done? Do they subcontract motor coach transportation or use camp vans. How do they train the drivers and check credentials? Does the camp certify the vehicles are safe? How? As a camp director, I realize that vehicle transport is one of the most dangerous areas of camp and needs to be properly addressed
Last but not least, the most important thing to do is ask for references. This is an area that is not done enough. Every family should call at least 2 families with a specific list of questions.
We at Swift Nature Camp, strictly follow all guidelines laid by the American Camp Association, which is why our name is counted among the best overnight summer camps in Wisconsin.
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