It can be hard to judge one camp brochure's cute, smiling kids from another's. Camp expert Christopher Thurber offers these tips for reading between the lines.
"International staff expose campers to different cultures." True, Thurber says, but parents need to make sure cabin leaders speak English fluently. Camps increasingly rely on foreign staff because they can pay them half as much (they're considered part of a cultural-exchange program). Most are hired based on résumés, not personal interviews, he said.
"We have a 5:1 camper-staff ratio." Some camps include all adult workers, including kitchen, medical and maintenance staff, in the ratio. The true ratio should be how many campers are overseen by a cabin leader. A ratio between four and 10 campers per leader is acceptable, with 6:1 the national average.
"Our camp is located on 500 acres." "Don't be too impressed with acreage," warns "The Summer Camp Handbook." More important is the quality of the facilities and how well space is used.
"Join our sailing program." Many camps offer a variety of experiences. If your child is particularly interested in one activity, it's worth asking about the equipment. One camp Thurber visited advertised a sailing program but owned only four small sailboats to be shared by hundreds of campers. Another promoted motorized dirt bikes but failed to maintain them so all but one was broken. Also, some activities, such as horseback riding, may be available only to campers who pay extra money.
"Our camp is accredited." This is important, but parents still need to do their own research to make sure it matches their child's expectations. "There's no substitute for asking key questions," Thurber said.
"This camp is an investment in your child's future." Camps know parents — especially dual-working parents — often feel guilty about not spending more time with kids during the summer. "It makes some parents feel better to send kids to a pricey camp with the thought they'll have a better experience," Thurber said. Some parents also feel skill-based camps will help kids get a jump on their peers.
"We have experienced staff." Parents should ask for the camp's staff return rate. Forty to 50 percent is the national average. Camps with high return rates should be happy to brag about them and if a camp won't release their figures, parents should be wary. "If I hear the staff return rate is 20 percent, that camp's in trouble," Thurber said. "I don't want my kid at that camp."
— Stephanie Dunnewind, Seattle Times reporter
