Choosing a Camp - Tips for Parents
Choosing a Camp
Canadian summer camps are considered amongst the finest in the world. There is sure to be a camp near you that is perfect for your child!
Parents should involve their children in the process as they are selecting a camp. Of course, it is a good idea to seek camps that meet the interests and needs of your child.
It is important to select an accredited camp. While all camps must meet the legislated standards within their province, an accredited camp meets additional requirements relating to site, facility, administration, leadership, health, food service and program determined by the provincial association.
Things to Consider
The child’s interests and the activities he hopes to experience at camp.
The desired characteristics of the camp site. The distance from home that is acceptable to the child and his family.
The length of stay. The child’s physical, medical, dietary and emotional needs.
Whether the child is willing to go alone or prefers to go with a friend.
Whether a single sex or co-ed camp is preferred.
Whether a secular or religiously-based camp is preferred.
The limitations of the family’s budget. Provincial Camping Associations provide information on available financial assistance.
Is My Child Ready?
Parents often ask at what age a child should begin overnight camp; however, considering readiness is more significant than age.
Can the child make their own bed and look after their own belongings?
Has the child spent a night away from home at a friend’s or grandparents’ house?
Is the child asking to go to camp?
Has the child attended day camp? Day camp is an introduction to some aspects of the overnight camp experience – meeting new friends, being cared for by a counsellor and participating in camp activities with other children .
Steps in Selecting a Suitable Camp
Begin by talking to your child about the programs they are interested in, where they would like to go, how long they would like to stay and if they are willing to go alone or if they prefer to go with a friend.
Talk to friends, family and neighbours whose children have attended camp before or who attended camp themselves when they were younger.
Contact your provincial camping association and visit their website (we’ve included links to the provincial camping association websites below).
Attend local camp information sessions or fairs advertised on the provincial association website or in local media.
Make a shortlist of possible camps and visit their websites.
Compile your questions and call the camp director.
Sometimes, the camp director may offer to visit your family home and share a presentation about the camp.
Ask if it is possible to tour the camp facility before making a final decision.
Camp Directories
Families can go to a provincial camping association’s website and explore the many possibilities that meet their criteria. Family and friends with camp experience may also offer suggestions. Some locations offer camp fairs where a number of camps display their programs.
Your provincial camping association website has tools that should allow you to browse both accredited day and overnight camps. The links to the provincial camping associations below will help get your search started:
BRITISH COLUMBIA CAMPS ASSOCIATION
CAMPING ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA & PEI (CANSPEI)
ASSOCIATION DES CAMPS DU QUÉBEC
SASKATCHEWAN CAMPING ASSOCIATION
NEW BRUNSWICK CAMPING ASSOCIATION