All it takes is a few days of temperatures in the sixties to prompt parents to start thinking about the camp season for their youngsters.
Going to camp provided me with some of the happiest memories of my childhood. I loved the crafts, the special events and most of all the silly camp songs we learned. When my children were little, I taught them these same songs to entertain them on long car trips to help pass the time.
If possible, every little child should have some kind of camp experience in his or her lifetime.
Thumbing through newspapers or reading literature that arrives in the mail, parents will see that they have all kinds of camp choices to select for their child. Which one to choose can be somewhat perplexing.
Older children usually have their own ideas as to what type of camp activity they are interested in and require less input about program content. Parents of pre school children are left with sorting through camp literature to find the best and most beneficial program for the younger child.
These parents are the ones that should be the most particular when choosing a program. This is usually the first camp experience for a pre school child and there are many aspects of safety and program content the parent should look into. Parents might like to use the same criteria when looking for a pre school camp program as they would if they were looking to enroll their child in a nursery school.
Following the New York State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) which is the agency that licenses and regulates child care programs, including preschools is a basic guideline to start.
To obtain a license or registration for a child care program, providers must meet minimum health, safety, nutrition and training standards. The following suggestions should be kept in mind during your search for a camp for your preschooler.
If your child takes an afternoon nap, or is not a "high energy" type, then perhaps a half-day program is best.
Working parents might prefer a full day program that will provide a creative atmosphere for their child, rather than having the child spending the summer at a sitter's house.
Some babysitters are unable to take the child out of the home environment, if there are other children, or infants to care for at the same time. If a child is in a nursery program for more than three hours, NYS OCFS is required to inspect and approve the school's total program.
This includes the teachers' qualifications, staff/child ratio, health and safety factors, size of the facility, the curriculum and a host of other requirements. Some camps are open the full summer and others for part of the summer. The amount of weeks you enroll your child may not only depend on your child's activity and interest level, but also on your budget.
Will you be driving your child to camp each day or is transportation part of the total fee? Avoid selecting a camp that is so far away that the very young child will be spending a disproportionate time riding to and from the camp.
If busing or transportation is provided, is the vehicle in good repair and seat belts provided? Does each driver have a safe driving record and is he/she bonded and insured by the camp? Do not feel uncomfortable asking the camp director these vital questions before enrolling.
Ask what the ratio is of children-to-staff personnel. In the pre school group at least a 1 to 8 ratio is recommended to provide the best coverage for children 3 to 5 years old. A toddler group with 2-year-old children should have a 1 to 5 ratio.
Are the staff members all adults or teen assistants in charge of the group? Are these staff qualified and experienced to work with children in this age group? How many staff will be returning from the previous summer?
Some camps offer an "open house" before enrollment takes place in order to let visiting parents tour the facility and meet the staff. If the camp operates a nursery school year round, visit the school before enrolling in the camp to have a visual idea of how the management operates its total program.
Very often the teachers you seen during the school year will be part of the camp program and are experienced with this age group and the facility. Telephone and gather information from at least three or four camps you are considering. Ask friends who have sent their children to camp about the one they picked. Don't select a camp just because the driving is more convenient or a car pool is readily available.
Find one that will meet the needs and interest of your child and is run by the best-qualified staff.
Very young children need extra attention while outdoors. What are the rules for supervision while outdoors and what is the condition of the play equipment? Is there a fenced-in play area for young campers, free from low hanging branches? Where are the bathroom facilities and is the child escorted to the restroom if the group is occupied? A preschool child should have a staff person nearby at all times and not be allowed to wander alone.
Does the camp have a pool or lake that is used by the campers? Is it well supervised at all times? If your child is not ready, or not interested in water sports, must he or she participate in lessons or group swimming? Parents might prefer looking for a pre school camp program that only offers "sprinkle time", rather than pool or lake activities for the younger child to alleviate some of these safety concerns.
All camps should require that the child have a medical examination before camp begins. Have your physician list any restrictions or allergies the child might have. Snacks at camp can vary.
If there is a food the child cannot have, be sure to bring this matter to the attention of the director at the start of the session. Is there a registered nurse or doctor on the premises or on call? How many staff members are trained or certified in first aid or CPR?
Be sure the camp has your doctor's telephone number and the name of the hospital you prefer if emergency medical attention is needed.
The camp enrollment form should be thorough enough to ask for this information and other pertinent facts about your child, where the parents can be reached, and who is allowed to pick up the child in your absence or an emergency.
Remember to notify the camp director if any of your contact telephone numbers change over the summer or if persons allowed picking up your child differs from the start of the program.
Always ask plenty of questions when looking for a program for your child.
Read the camp literature thoroughly and do not hesitate to ask about anything that seems unclear.
Is the program content defined and planned for each week that your child attends? Do they offer themes and activities appropriate for the age of the children or are the children expected to just "play" all day and entertain themselves? What are the payment schedules and can extra days be added if the child enjoys the program? Is there a discount for siblings enrolled in the same camp?
What is the age range of the children enrolled in the program? Do they specialize in the pre school child or does the camp include children up through teen years? It is up to the parent to find out the answers they feel add up to a quality camp program.
Your child will have a fun-filled summer and so will you knowing each day is spent with trained, professional staff and playing with friends in a safe environment.
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