Author: Henri Audet, Executive Director, Camp Kirk

Undoubtedly, this is one of the questions most often asked by parents as their child reaches the age where a camping experience becomes an option. I might add that “option” is the operative word and here is why. There are many different programs and recreational experiences available for children today, and certainly camp is one of them, but camp is not necessarily the be all and end all. So, my first recommendation would be that parents thoroughly research all of the options available to them for their child before making a final decision. Having said this, I might point out that, particularly for children with learning disabilities and those with ADD or ADHD, where socialization and low self-esteem is a concern, a camping experience may offer just the right recipe to help a child learn the skills necessary for him or her to become the best that they can be. No, camp is not a cure, but it can certainly set a child on the path to success and as parents or educators, what more can we ask for?

The other important point I would like to make is, to include your child as early as possible in the process, no matter which options you are looking at. First and foremost, this is meant to benefit the child, notwithstanding the fact that moms, dads and care givers indirectly benefit as well, if you know what I mean… So make it “fun” for everyone.

Once you have made the decision that camp is the desired option, then here is what you do. First, you contact the Ontario Camping Association at 416-781-0525 and ask for their camping guide which lists all of the camps accredited by the Association. Basically what the OCA accreditation process does, is give its member camps the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.” In other words, every accredited camp has met the required standards of the Association, thereby assuring prospective campers and their families of a minimum standard of quality in every aspect of a camp’s operation.

While you are waiting to receive the directory, you and your child need to spend time to answer some very basic questions, e.g., What do we want from camp? What length of time best suits our needs? Is an all girls, all boys or co-ed setting best for our child? What type of program and/or philosophy are we looking for? Are there special physical, emotional or mental needs we should consider or compare to the camp’s ability to meet them?

After you have received the OCA directory, you might want to do a preliminary read through and, based on your child’s and your own priorities and expectations, simply go through an initial process of elimination. A checklist for choosing a camp might include the following: health and safety procedures, emergency procedures, name of director, quality of living space, quality of dining area and of food preparation, quality and balance of camp program, staff training and experience, general supervision and camper/staff ratio, ability to meet special needs, references from other parents, and accreditation from OCA or similar associations.

Once you have made a short list of potential camps, then call the director of each camp and request a camper application package. Upon receipt of this material, sit down with your child, read each camp brochure, and keeping in mind your priorities and your child’s needs, evaluate the camps, make notes and check marks, particularly around things which come across in the brochure as being outstanding. The reason for this is that you want to make sure that what you saw or read is really what happens at this camp. Even though camp brochures are designed primarily as a selling tool, they can provide you with invaluable information about the camp. Do read between the lines, however. For example, if a camp puts a great deal of emphasis on its past history, perhaps it has failed to evolve and keep up with the changing times, both in terms of program and recreational and/or educational philosophy.

One of the most important steps in choosing a camp is to have an opportunity to meet the camp director, or at least a representative, in person, either at an open house, or preferably in your home. You will want to ask about his or her background in camping, about the camp’s philosophy and about the camp’s provisions for campers with special needs. This is your chance to ask any questions or to raise any concerns you or your child might have about the camp or the program. One crucial point here is that parents and/or guardians of a child, particularly one with special needs, must be completely up front as to their child’s condition, his/her specific requirements and their expectations. You will find that, under most circumstances, camp directors are more than willing to make the necessary adjustments to meet a child’s needs. This face to face meeting is also the camp director’s opportunity to start forming a relationship among himself, a prospective camper and his/her family. Remember, your child’s camping experience may span several years, so the relationship you develop with each other may prove to be very significant. Therefore, if a director is unable or unwilling to facilitate this, as a parent I would be concerned.

Let me end simply by stating that, regardless of your own past camping experiences, or what other people may have told you, in my opinion and based on my experience of over 20 years in the camping business, no camp can and should claim to be suitable for every child. Moreover, no responsible camp director will ever give you a guarantee that your child will succeed at camp. Even though it is understood that every parent wants to make absolutely sure that they are doing the best for their child, one must also understand that there are simply too many variables to be able to guarantee a successful camping experience. The real and only issue here is that all children, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, should be given a choice based on their individual needs and their own goals and aspirations, as they relate to a camp’s philosophy, resources and capabilities. It is up to everyone concerned to make sure that the best possible choices are made, and that ultimately, the child is the “winner.”