Questions for the Summer Camp Tour

Growing up in the summer camp industry for the past 20 years, I've watched my family and our camp supervisors give hundreds of tours to local parents interested in sending their children to   Tours are a great way to not only see the facility but also get the know the camp staff as well as ask important questions about the program.

While every family ultimately has different needs, I found that there are several topics that concern parents no matter the age of their child.  As you plan those final visits to the campgrounds, keep in mind the following top 10 topics to discuss with the camp professional leading your tour to ensure the camp is the right fit for your family.

10. What does the tuition include?  Every summer program varies on what is included in the stated tuition.  Most private camps include transportation, hot lunch and trips where school rec programs may be a lower cost but not include any of the above items.  Families should list all the costs associated with attending camp (whether its included with tuition or not) and carefully add up expenses before making a decision.

9. What are the procedures at the swimming pool? Swimming is one of the most popular activities at summer camp but also an area that requires strong safety procedures and supervision.  Things to look for on your tour include: Are the pools enclosed?  Are the lifeguards Red Cross certified? How do they handle buddy checks? Are the pools on or off campus? 

8. How are the counselors hired? Since the counselors are the ones that will be directly supervising your child, it's important to obtain information on hiring procedures.  Does the camp provide background checks? What is the staff return rate?  Is there a staff orientation?

7. What if my child does not like the lunch option? If lunch is included with tuition, make sure to obtain a sample menu and ensure your child likes the offerings.  If you child has allergies or is a "picky" eater, are there substitute options? Can you bring your own lunch?

6. Is transportation included? What is the bus procedure? For many working parents, bus transportation to and from camp is essential.  Remember to ask whether transportation is door-to-door or central pickup, who supervises on the bus and how are the drivers trained.

5. What happens if it rains or is too hot? Most camps have the majority of their activities outdoors so it's important to know where the campers go when its raining.  Do campers go off campus on trips or is there an on-campus rainy day schedule?

4. Is there a health center on site? Just like in school, children are prone to accidents at camp and there should be a full health center available on the campgrounds.  Find out where the health center is located and how many staff are available to assist your child.  

3. What makes this camp different from the rest? This is a great question asked by almost every touring parent.  Make sure the camp professional can explain the differences of their camp compared to the competitors.  What traditions make it unique?  Why is this the right match for my child?

2. What is the staff-to-camper ratio? The staff-to-camper ratio should change depending on the age of the child.  Ask to see group photos from last year's sessions so you understand how many counselors are in each group.

1. What are the overall procedures to ensure my child is safe at camp? No matter how much fun your child has at camp or what activities they experience, the number one factor for all parents is that there child is in a safe environment.  On your tour, look to see if the campground is enclosed or if there is an area that your child may get lost.  What is the camp visitor policy?  Where are the entrances and exits?

As a camp professional, I can assure you that being knowledgeable prior to your camp tour will help you and your family make the right decision about which summer camp experience is perfect for your child.