Keep safety, satisfaction in mind when choosing summer camps

A few warm days remind us summer is coming soon. For parents, it is time to look for camps that will keep their children safe and engaged when school is out.

Parents should look beyond glossy brochures and websites when searching for summer camps, Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises. The safety, health and satisfaction of children should be the camp's top priority.

When choosing a camp, parents should use the same care and common sense they would use in evaluating a day care program. Camps should offer activities that interest their child and are appropriate for the child's age and skill level.

Parents need to visit camps to inspect facilities, ask about the staff's training and experience and find out how the camp handles medical emergencies. If the child is staying overnight, be sure to look at cabins, showers and other facilities your child will be using.

Some camps, such as those organized around a particular sport, are highly structured and stress development of specific skills. Others are more flexible and give campers the opportunity to choose some of their activities.

Your child's interests and personality should be your guide in choosing an appropriate program. If the child is old enough, ask what activities he or she would enjoy at camp.

Parents should ask how long a camp has been in business and check with parents of past and returning students. Check BBB's website, midmobbb.org, for the camp's record on handling complaints.

BBB offers the following tips for parents searching for the right camp for their child:

• Always visit the camp before submitting your deposit. Check its location and view the living, eating and recreational facilities. Ask about safety procedures (particularly for water activities, archery and out-of-camp trips) and assess the quality and commitment of the staff.

• Ask about fees and payment deadlines. Is your deposit refundable? Are there extra charges for any activities? Are meals and transportation offered?

• What is the camper return rate? The counselor return rate?

• What is the camp director's background? How is the staff trained? Are criminal checks made for employees and volunteers? What is the ratio of campers to staff members?

• Are medical facilities adequate? Is a nurse or doctor on site? What are the procedures for transporting injured or sick children to medical facilties? Are those facilities nearby?

• What are the safety rules and how are they enforced? Does the camp have appropriate insurance coverage?

• Are family visits or other communications with campers allowed? How is homesickness handled?

• Finally, look for camps that are certified by the American Camp Association. ACA-accredited camps have met up to 300 nationally recognize standards.

For more information on and individual camp or to check a BBB Business Review, go to www.midmobbb.org or call 573-886-8965.

Sean Spence is the Mid-Missouri regional director for Better Business Bureau.