Do you know where your kids will be this summer?
Connecticut BBB offers tips to ensure they are safe and happy campers


WALLINGFORD, CT April 10, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- It is never too early to begin looking for a camp and the best reason to begin researching summer camps sooner rather than later is because your youngster's safety and happiness are at stake. As you begin your search, it is vital to remember that brochures alone cannot give you an accurate and complete picture of the facilities. You also want to ensure you are making a sound investment before signing a contract.

Finding a Good Fit
The first step is to select a camp that matches you child's age, interests and personality. Some facilities offer structured programs, while others are more flexible and allow campers to select some of their daily activities.

You may want to include your campers in the selection process to see what interests them, rather than deciding for them. They may, for example, want to attend a summer camp where their friends are going. Your youngster's participation in the selection process can help ensure a memorable summer.

Obtaining Leads
The Internet is a useful tool for finding a selection of summer camps in your area.

Friends, neighbors and relatives also may be able to recommend camps that have lived-up to their expectations. Once you have narrowed your search, look for summer camps that are certified by the American Camp Association. ACA-accredited camps must meet 300 nationally-recognized standards. Better Business Bureau recommends visiting www.bbb.org to find out how long a camp has been in business and read about other families' experiences with the facility.

Prepare for a Visit:
Brochures are designed to sell a summer camp and its facilities, and cannot answer all of your questions, nor can they take the place of an on-site visit. You have to be proactive to ensure your children are in a safe environment with well-trained staff, and that they will have access to prompt and professional medical care in case of an emergency.

Families are being more selective about how they spend their money on discretionary expenses, but economics alone should not dictate selection of a facility where youngsters will spend their summer days.

What to Look For and Ask During Your Visit to the Camp:
* Assess its living, dining, and recreational facilities, and safety programs, particularly for water activities, out-of-camp trips and other activities with a potential for personal injury, such as archery.
* Ask about the camp director's background, how the staff is trained and the ratio of campers to staff members.
* What are the total fees, deadlines, deposit refund policy and extra charges for any camp activities?
* What is the camper and counselor return rate?
* Is there a doctor or nurse on site, and what are the procedures for transporting sick or injured children to nearby hospitals or clinics?
* What are the rules for communications with campers and how is homesickness handled?
* Are references available from parents of repeat campers?

Before putting down a deposit, you should come away from the visit with a feeling that you have selected an appropriate and safe environment, and determined it is the kind of facility where you feel confident sending your children for a month or two.

Beginning your search early can help guarantee your children will be happy campers.

Further Related Resources:


Press Release Contact Information:

Howard Schwartz
Better Business Bureau CT
Communications Coordinator
94 South Turnpike Rod
Wallingford, Connecticut
USA 06492
Voice: 206-269-2700 ext 103
Website: Visit Our Website