1. Decide if your child is ready for day camp. Consider level of independence, social skills, interest in new experiences.

2. Start early! Some camps accept enrollments a year before or offer discounts for early enrollment.

3. Match the environment to your individual child. Most kids want to attend day camp with a buddy. (If the camp is large enough, they can be placed in separate groups.)

4. Review materials on a variety of programs, but consider using an independent professional to help you narrow down options.

5. In evaluating different options, consider:
Program length/hours each day: (especially important for working parents) General versus specialty focus: (and special needs)
Tuition: (prices for day camps vary greatly).

6. Speak with the camp director in a kid-friendly environment. Kids react to their surroundings and a meeting in a sterile office might arouse fear/discomfort. See ‘Director Questions’ in this Guide and be sure to ask “sensitive” questions in private. Be sure to probe on camp philosophy, especially safety. Are the director’s beliefs consistent with your own?

7. Get a clear sense of how the staff is trained – especially on topics like supervision, discipline, safety and problem prevention and resolution.

8. Tour camps with your child, but make sure young kids are well-fed and rested beforehand. Watch camp videos or read brochures beforehand, so you and your child are prepared.

9. Narrow down your choices, based on variables that include:
Camp size: (and level of supervision)
Age range: (if you plan on your child attending the camp for a long time, you might also want to inquire about pre-teen CIT programs)
Camp location: (bussing options, length of ride to camp, etc.)
Camp layout: (sunny versus wooded; compact versus sprawling; hilly versus flat)
Program design: The camp should reflect your child’s style, personality and needs.

Consider factors like:
- Structure of a typical day
- Amount of swim instruction versus recreation
- Range of activities (required versus optional)
- Indoor versus outdoor activities/facilities
- Lunch and snack options
- Rest time (for younger kids)
- Transportation options (including closest pick-up)
- Extended care (pre- and post-camp); late bus options; supervision (pre- and post-camp)
- Parent contact policies (proactive versus reactive, frequency, open visits).

10. Obtain and thoroughly check references.

--Jill Tipograph, CEO and founder of Everything Summer (www.everythingsummer.com) a professional, independent, summer program resource and guidance service for children, teens and their families.