What t0 ask before sending your kid to camp

The calendar may read March, but now's the time to think summer — summer camp that is. So how can you tell if Susie's sleep away camp is the best one for her? The March issue of SmartMoney magazine has the A to Z on summer camps and tips on what to ask when selecting a camp for your child. Jack Otter, the articles editor for SmartMoney, came on "Today" to share some highlights from the report. Read some of those tips here:

Ten things to ask before you send your kids off to camp:

1. Are you accredited?
About 7,000 overnight programs and 5,000 day camps exist in the U.S. according to the American Camping Association. However, only about 2,500 of these camps have their ACA accreditation, which is a voluntary process in which the camps meet about 300 different standards. The ACA accreditation offers a website (www.acacamps.com) in which you can "Find a Camp!" that is accredited and safe for your child. You can also check out the Web Directory KidsCamps.com or call the camps and speak with the directors about staff screening procedures, background checks and staff-to-camper ratio. Most importantly, get references!

2. Do you pay for referrals?
Camp advisory services are offered to help streamline the process of choosing a camp by doing the legwork for you. These services are usually offered by 'mom and pop' organizations and are free! Instead, the camps pay these organizations. Still it is important to know how the advisors charge? If they're paid a set fee, regardless of how many referrals a camp gets, thats good! If they're paid based on how many kids they refer, thats less reassuring.

3. Who is your "typical" camper?
In order to attract business camps are likely to claim they are right for your kid no matter what your kid is really like. In order to avoid sending your kid to the wrong camp ask questions like "How would you describe the typical kid at this camp?" and be sure to always check the camps referrals.

4. How early should we register?
Camp registration rates have grown 10 percent annually from 1991 to 2001, which makes it harder than ever to get your kid into the camp of choice. The key is to act quickly and if your kid doesn't get into his camp of choice, be sure to ask the director of your first choice what other camps he would recommend. If need be, get on wait lists of your preferred camps.

5. What is a "typical" day of activities?
Before you register, ask the director to describe a typical day and the level of competition. Also be sure to ask who will be coaching your kids. Many sports camps feature a former college or pro athlete. If this is that case your child may get little face time with him. You want to make sure whoever works with your child most of the time is not only an enthusiastic counselor, but a coach with solid experience and training.

6. Are there any hidden costs at the camp?
The basic cost of an accredited day camp ranges from $75-$300 per week and from $201-$400 per week for an overnight camp. However that fee doesn't cover everything. Some of these extra costs include proper camp clothing such as camp logo T-shirts, sweatshirts, and sports jerseys. These things alone add up to about $300. Other things not included are transportation, swimming lessons, food, horseback riding, and uniforms. Kidscamps.com advises parents to ask about the extra fees before booking.

7. Is the price negotiable?
Though camp enrollment is booming it's always a good idea to ask for a discount. The ACA reported 65 percent of accredited camps offered campers some level of financial assistance, called "camperships". These discounts often depend on income. If you don't qualify for aid, some camps offer 5-10% discount for early registration, full season enrollment or enrollment of multiple family members.

8. Who is on the medical staff and what are the facilities?
When sending your kid off to camp first make sure you verify there is a registered nurse on call with access to a supervising MD. Poison ivy rashes, head lice and sore throats are common at camp infirmaries, however you need to make sure your child is prepared for more serious illnesses such as meningitis. Be sure to tell your child not to share personal items and get them vaccinated before sending them off for the summer.

9. What are the camps rules and how is the discipline handled?
Make sure you know the camps rules ahead of time and that you feel comfortable with the repercussions. If the offense is bad enough for him to get sent home, parents could be punished too — financially.

10. Will my child be able to communicate with us?
Ninety-five percent of kids who go to overnight camp get homesick. In case it's needed, make sure the camp provides counseling you approve of should your kid end up with more than just a day or so of the blues. You can also ask your potential camps about parent-child communication policies before booking.

Jack Otter is the articles editor for SmartMoney magazine. For more information on you selecting the right summer camp for your kid, you can check out the March issue of the magazine, or visit their Web site at: www.smartmoney.com

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