A quality summer program should offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor group social activities including camping, cookouts, crafts, and sports – all under the direct supervision of trained leadership. Parents should:
- Begin your search by February at the latest.
- Check with schools, YMCAs, YMHAs, Parks & Recreations departments, and religious organizations.
- Make a list of questions before contacting the camp director.
- Determine all costs, including extras for extended care (if available), transportation, field trips or meals and snacks.
Parents should also ask a variety of questions. Below are some helpful questions to serve as guidelines:
- What is the daily curriculum? Be sure to get it in detail!
- What are the ages of the counselors? Eighty percent or more should be 18 years or older.
- What percentage of the staff returns each year? If it is lower than the usual 40- 60%, ask why.
- What is the camper-to-counselor ratio? For children 4-9, the ratio should be no less than 1 adult to 10 children; for ages 8-12, 1 to 15 is sufficient.
- What is the growth/return rate of the camp? Children don’t return if they don’t like it. A 75-80% return rate is a sign of a good camp.
- Are references available?
- What are the emergency procedures? Is there a nurse or someone trained in first aid on staff?
- Is the camp insured, and registered with the health department?
Please call us at 212.929.4999 to learn more about finding a summer program for your child.
Please note: Child Care, Inc. does not license, recommend or endorse any one provider over another, we do encourage parents to exercise their right to evaluate and select the child care program that best meets the needs of their family.
|
