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Looking
for Camp in '09?
It's not too late
to do your summer camp "homework" this
year.
While the summer of 2008 is rapidly coming
to a close, and the 2009 camp season might
seem a world away, now is actually the
best time for families to find the perfect
summer camp experience for the coming year.
According to the American Camp Association
(ACA), over 35 percent of camps begin accepting
registrations between September and December,
so time is of the essence!
Here are five tips to consider when
researching summer camps:
Visit your finalist camps – if possible, while they're in session – One
of the most valuable ways to truly experience a camp is to schedule a visit.
Though the window of opportunity for summer tours is closing, there are still
a few weeks left at many camps this summer. There is no better way for parents
to become informed and for kids to get a sense of what they can expect next
summer than a personal visit.
Make it a family decision - "Choosing
a camp as a family can be a very positive
experience. Parents learn about what their
kids want from their summer camp, and the
more children participate in the decision
and own it, the more comfortable they will
feel when they arrive next summer." - Peg
L. Smith, ACA CEO
Utilize the Internet – The
Internet has become an invaluable tool
in finding the perfect summer camp for
children. Are there camps in the area that
offer tennis? Which offer music or performing
arts programs? These are questions that
can be answered through the Find A Camp
search, located at www.CampParents.org.
Talk to friends, family, and community
groups - Other ways to learn about
great camp possibilities is to seek recommendations
from friends, consult faith communities
or community centers, and attend local
camp fairs. For more personal assistance
close to home, parents can contact one
of ACA's twenty-four local offices. Contact
information for local offices, and links
to local office Web sites, can be found
at www.CampParents.org.
Be informed about camp accreditation -
ACA-Accreditation® is the best evidence
for parents that a camp is committed to
providing a safe and nurturing environment
for their children. A camp that is ACA-accredited
has undergone a thorough review of its
operations, measured by up to over 300
health and safety standards. Parents should
always ask if a camp is currently accredited
and if not, ask why. There are over 2,400
ACA-accredited camps – all of
which can be found by searching Find A
Camp on www.CampParents.org.
Contact Public Relations at 765.349.3317 or pr@ACAcamps.org to
interview an ACA
spokesperson for more information on the ways the camp experience
enhances the lives of children, teens, and adults.
Also, for customizable public
service announcements or article
reprints, visit our Media
Center.
About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance
the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs
ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally
challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps
that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
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