Schooldays.ie - Ireland's Online Resource for Parents & Teachers

Parenting & Education in Ireland

Schooldays.ie - Ireland's Online Resource for Parents & Teachers

Parenting & Education

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Choosing a Summer Camp


We all want our children to have happy, enjoyable summer experiences that are appropriate for their needs and interests. A good camp experience can offer your child the opportunity to try new activities, to learn new skills, to make friends and to gain a sense of independence. Where do you begin? It is important to consider your child’s interest when choosing a camp.

Questions to consider about your Child

Not every camp is suited to every child, and it is important to figure out what camp will best suit your kid. Consider sitting down with your kid and talking about any interests or skills they would like to learn more about or any sports they would like to play over the summer.

Tell them about any camps that caught your eye as something they may be interested in. If they agree that they would be interested, you have a camp choice sorted, and if not, you may be better able to gauge their interests. The following list of questions could help in determining whether or not a camp is right for your child:

  • Does your child have a special interest, such as drama, music, a particular sport, nature study, or arts and crafts?
  • Has your child expressed interest in learning a particular new skill?
  • Does your child have any special needs or a particular learning style?
  • Are swimming and/or water sports important to your child?
  • Would your child be more comfortable going off with a friend? Would this make a difference?
  • Does your child do well in a structured environment or is a relatively relaxed setting more appropriate? How structured is the environment?
  • Would your child be more comfortable in a day camp near home, or is he or she ready for a sleep-away experience?


Questions to consider about a Summer Camp

Your child's age, past experience and personality will be factors in determining his or her readiness for a particular type of program. When you and your child have decided what type of camps to explore, it is important to ensure the camp you finally select is a professionally run camp, providing a safe environment.

You may find the following questions useful in establishing whether you are happy that the camp you have choosen provides the environment you are looking for.

  • What is the ratio of staff/supervisors to children?
  • How old are the staff/camp supervisors?
  • Are the instructors qualified – this is particularly important for sporting activities.
  • Are the instructors garda vetted - This is mandatory according to the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012
  • Are any of the instructors/ supervisors trained in first aid.
  • What ages groups are put together.
  • Are the children supervised at all times, including breaks/lunch.
  • Multi-activity camps – what does a typical daily schedule look like.
  • What is the Camp Directors experience/background?
  • Outdoor Camp – what happens when the weather is bad?
  • What kind of insurance cover is there?
  • Are the children supervised until they are picked up – even if a parent is late.
  • Are the children being transported anywhere – who will be driving/will coach have seatbelts.




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