How to Choose a Summer Camp for Boys

Summer camp for boys is more than just goofing off around a camp fire and roasting various foods. Camps can give your boys extraordinary growing experiences that prove to be some of their favorite memories. Spending time away from home and electronic screens will help build independence, resilience, and social skills. But how can you be sure you're choosing the right camp for your child?

Do Proper Research
Whether you've decided to send your boys to an overnight camp or a day camp, or both depending on age and personality, it's highly recommended that you speak with the camp directors. Quality camps will be expecting you to contact them, and some may contact you if you're new to their program. Look for a camp that is proactive in their communication efforts and takes the time to answer all your questions and concerns. Ask for references and talk with other parents about their opinion of the camp and their child's experience. Make sure you choose a camp that matches your child's interests. Camps focused purely on athletic activities won't be very appealing to the artist in your family. If your child has all kinds of interests, find a summer camp for boys that offers a wide variety of activities and exploring opportunities. When attending an open house or visiting the camp ground in your decision process, there are some essential elements to watch for.

• Solid History
  You can be sure that camps with decades of experience are practicing high standards of safety, health, and participant care. Their sound practices and operating procedures will have brought participants back year after year for exceptional summers.
   
• Strong Philosophy
  What is the focus and purpose of the camp? How is the philosophy carried out in the boys' daily activities? Consider how the camp's purpose matches with the experience you'd like for your child.
   
• Community Emphasis
  With boys coming from various locations and different walks of life, a strong sense of community is imperative. Camp leaders should be focused on how to best include every boy in each aspect of the camp experience.
   
• Superb Staff
  Staff should have thorough training, and there should be a low camper-to-staff ratio of around 10 to one. Background and criminal-record checks ought to be part of the hiring process, as should meticulous interviews.
   
• Child's Choice
  To nurture independence and a proactive mindset, boys should be given some choice in the activities they participate in.
   
• Communication Plan
  Quality camps have protocol for contacting parents about specific events, such as, an injured or sick child. A policy regarding camper phone use should also be in place.
   
• Accreditation
  The camps you're considering ought to exhibit standards of the highest quality in every aspect of their programs.
   

Take the time to research these and any other elements of camp that occur to you before making your final decision. You should feel comfortable with the camp conditions, communication practices, and chosen staff, as well as the typical daily activities and camp philosophy. Keeping these aspects of camp programs in mind will allow you and your boys to select a camp that will provide them with endless adventure and priceless life lessons, while giving you both peace of mind.