Chosing The Right Maine Summer Camp For Aroostook County Kids

Here are some tips on finding a summer camp that both you and your child will agree on.

It’s that time of the year again - the time for researching and choosing an exciting summer camp-experience for your child. The summer months are long, and enrolling your child in a structured program is a great way for him or her to stay busy, says the Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern MA, ME, RI, & VT (BBB).

Depending on the camp, some will fill up quickly and start accepting applications as early as March 1st. Additionally, some camps that specifically cater to special activities or arts (soccer, tennis, music, theater, etc) require an audition period before acceptance.

“Parents should look for a camp that covers their child’s age group and skill level and provides activities that are of interest to their child.” said Paula Fleming, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer for the local BBB.

Summer is the perfect time for children to try out new adventures like summer camps. Before signing your child up for a summer camp, be sure to read through these tips to ensure a fun-filled summer for all.

Find a camp that you can trust. Visit the American Camp Association for accredited camps that have met up to 300 nationally recognized standards. In addition, look up a camp’s Business Profile on bbb.org for reviews and ratings, or search for an accredited day-camp near you.

Research a typical daily schedule. Many camps provide a schedule of what a typical day would look like for the campers on their website or location office. Note the camp’s hours, variety of activities, staffing details, and meal plans.

Health & safety rules. Research the medical facilities and procedures of the camp. What are the safety rules and how are they enforced? What happens in the event of an emergency? Look for a camp that has a nurse or health office on site or nearby in case a child becomes sick or needs special accommodations.

Make a visit. Before submitting a deposit, it is always a good idea to visit the camp site in person. Take this opportunity to introduce yourself to the staff and ask any questions about the hiring and training process and the typical campers-to-staff ratio each session. A visit will also provide you with the opportunity to become acquainted with the living, eating, and recreational facilities.

Budget and plan. Make sure to ask about fees and payment deadlines. Find out if your deposit is refundable, if financial aid is available, and if there are any extra charges for specific activities or accommodations. If dropping and picking up your child might be a problem with your schedule, look for a camp that provides transportation.

For more information you can trust, visit us at bbb.org/boston, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.