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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. Some questions you might ask yourself include:

• 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?
• Would your child be more comfortable in a day camp near home, or is he or she ready for a sleep-away experience?

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 selected the type of camp you want, i.e. sports, performing arts etc it is important to ensure the camp you finally select is a professionally run camp providing a safe environment for your child. 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:

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Summer Camp

1. What is the ratio of staff/supervisors to children

2. How old are the staff/camp supervisors

3. Are the instructors qualified – this is particularly important for sporting activities.

4. Are the instructors garda vetted - (surprisingly it is not yet compulsory for camps to have staff garda vetted but it will become compulsory when the National Vetting Bureau Bill is published - due this summer)

5. Are any of the instructors/ supervisors trained in first aid.

6. What ages groups are put together.

7. Are the children supervised at all times, including breaks/lunch.

8. Multi-activity camps – what does a typical daily schedule look like.

9. What is the Camp Directors experience/background

10. Outdoor Camp – what happens when the weather is bad?

11. What kind of insurance cover is there

12. Are the children supervised until they are picked up – even if a parent is late.

13. Are the children being transported anywhere – who will be driving/will coach have seatbelts.


Looking for a summer camp? Check out our Summer Camp Listings on Schooldays.ie