choosing an overnight camp in Ontario or Quebec for your child

By Mari-Beth Crysler, Camp Wabikon, an overnight camp for children aged 6 - 17 in Temagami, Ontario.

Overnight (or residential) summer camps provide children of all ages a unique, memorable and exciting opportunity to have fun, make friends, acquire skills and build confidence.

Established and well-run summer camps offer a safe, well-supervised and stimulating environment in which your child can thrive. Living in such an environment for a week or longer empowers your child to comfortably make decisions about many aspects of their day-to-day routine. This experience strengthens your child's confidence and builds independence.

When is your child ready for overnight camp?

There is no magic number. All children are unique. Whether your child is 6 or 17, their input is crucial. If your child feels they are being sent away, as opposed to having the desire to go to camp, this extraordinary opportunity will loose its positive focus.

By discussing the idea of overnight camp with your child and making him/her part of the decision to attend, you will know when the time is right.

Ask questions

Camp directors are used to answering questions about every detail of camp. Contact the camps you are considering and ask specific questions.

Ask the same questions to each camp director and compare their answers.

Things to consider before choosing a camp

Before you and your child choose a camp, there are many factors to consider.

• What does your child like to do? Children know what they like and don't like. Ask them for their input. Look for camps that offer your child’s favourite activities as well as new activities and skills your child is interested in learning.
• Does your child prefer a co-ed or single-sex camping experience?
• Are you looking for a camp with a particular religious affiliation?
• Location can play a special role in your child’s camp experience. If your child is keen on canoe tripping and water sports, the type of waterfront at different camp locations should be given close consideration. Since your child will be living at camp, distance for drop-off and pick-up does not affect your decision as it would if you were searching for a day camp. Some camps offer transportation to and from their site where others require you to do the transportation yourself.
• Price alone can be misleading. The cost of camp should reflect the service provided. When comparing camps by price, make sure that you are comparing apples to apples.
• Word of mouth is a reassuring tool. Ask around and find out where other parents are sending their children. First-time and returning campers may take comfort in being at camp with a friend. Others may prefer a “fresh start” by attending a camp on their own.

Together with your child, make a list of the attributes you are looking for in your ideal camp. This list can be used online to review the many overnight camp options available to you (a good starting place is the Kids Ottawa directory of Ontario and Quebec overnight camp providers). Once you have narrowed down your list of possibilities, contact the individual camps you are interested in.

Types of questions you might ask

• Who do you hire as counselors? How old are they?
• What training and qualifications are your staff required to have?
• Do you interview each of your staff members in-person?
• If your child has specific medical, physical or dietary needs, be sure to ask about the camp’s ability to accommodate these requirements. Does the camp have medical personnel on site?
• What is your camp’s philosophy?
• How long has your camp been in operation?
• Can you provide a list of references or testimonials?
• Does the camp offer an open-house or in-home visit? Can they send you further information by mail?

If you don't get the answers you are looking for, keep searching. You and your child need to feel comfortable with the answers you receive before you make your choice.