St Albert Gazette - Summer 2003
Summer Camp and Activities Guide 2003
Getting ready for summer camp
Ask the right questions and pack the right stuff for a fun-filled summer break
If you haven’t selected a summer camp for the 2003 season, there is still time
to find the perfect program for your child. Visit www.KidsCamps.com
and search 21,000-plus youth camps and summer experiences.
With so many summer options available for your camper, it’s important to evaluate
not only the programs offered, but also how each of those programs are operated
and conducted when determining the quality of the camp experience. Here are
some key points to consider when evaluating programs:
What is the camp’s philosophy and program emphasis?
What is the background of the camp director?
What is the counsellor-to-camper ratio?
What experience and backgrounds do counsellors have?
How are behavioural and disciplinary problems handled?
How does the camp handle homesickness and other adjustment issues?
How does the camp screen its staff?
What are the camp’s policies on parent-camper communications?
Packing tips
Every camp sends a list of things to pack — be sure to follow this list. Here are some additional tips to successfully help your kid pack for summer camp.
o Towels and toiletries: Remember towels will be used for swimming as well as showers so be sure to pack extras. Also pack a small duffel bag or bucket to help campers having to walk to separate showering facilities carry essential toiletries.
o Clothes and laundry: Most camps supply lists of recommended wear and some furnish required uniforms. Essentials include shorts, t-shirts and jeans, comfortable, durable shoes (be sure to break them in first), a hat and sunscreen, raincoat and/or poncho.
o Overpack items worn more often, like socks and underwear. If and when clothes are laundered at camp affects how much clothing to pack. Generally sessions less than two weeks in length do not include laundry services. Be sure to send an extra pillowcase or laundry bag for dirty clothing. You can also check with camp staff for advice on changing weather and pack accordingly.
o Equipment: Flashlight with extra batteries, camera and film, canteen or water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm, preaddressed/pre-stamped postcards or envelopes.
o Medications: Be sure to send medications in original bottles, along with dosage instructions, to the camp nurse or health care facility. Your medical release form should list all medications.
Be sure to permanently label each and every item you pack with your camper’s name.
Things not to pack:
Radios, CD players, stereos
Televisions or portable video games
Cellular phones or pagers
Food
Hunting knives
Fireworks of any kind
Expensive clothing or jewelry
Summer camp can help children develop autonomy and a stronger sense of self,
make new friends, develop new social skills, learn about teamwork, be creative,
and more. Preparing your children (and yourself) for summer camp will help increase
the opportunity for a rewarding camp experience.
By Gazette Staff