Summer Day Camp in Somerset
Choosing the best possible summer day camp is something that every parent wants to do. Children are a parent's most precious things so finding a summer day camp that will treat them well and give them a great experience is crucial. Here are some tips on choosing a great summer day camp in the Somerset County, NJ area.
Choosing a Good Summer Day Camp
- Pick the right kind of camp. Maybe you think your child has potential as a soccer player or to be on Broadway. There are camps for just about every interest out there from science camps that focus on dinosaurs or space exploration, to sports camps, theater camps, dance camps, studio art camps and many more. But before you sign your children up for a camp, make sure it’s something they want to do, not just something you think they should do. They won’t get much out of an experience that they don’t enjoy and you’ll have some grumpy campers on your hands, which isn’t fun for either of you. Cedar Brook summer day camp offers all of these activities at one camp.
- Check that the camp is a safe place. Beyond making sure that the summer day camp, all equipment and any vehicles used to transport campers are in good condition and well-maintained, it’s important to check the camp for safety in several areas. Counselors should be trained in first aid, CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator. There should be an experienced medical provider on staff and protocols in place to handle any serious illness, injury or dangerous situation like a severe storm or wildfire. Also ask about how the camp handles discipline issues and whether counselors are trained to manage these issues. As part of the hiring process, all camp staff, including volunteers, should undergo local and national background checks that include a criminal records search.
- Find out if the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), an organization that conducts on-site visits, and reviews summer day camp programs, safety, facilities and hiring protocols. Many good camps may not have undergone this accreditation process, so to vet those programs, ask for references, visit the camp while it’s in session, and talk to other parents who’ve sent their kids there.
- Get the right counselor to camper ratio. The ACA recommends the following staffing ratios based on camper age:
4-to-5-year-olds: 6:1
6-to-8-year-olds: 8:1
9-to-14-year-olds: 10:1
15-to-18-year-olds: 12:1
The ratio should be higher for adventure camps and camps for children with special needs.
- Make sure the camp is convenient for your family. Check hours of operation and make sure they mesh with your work schedule. Think about how long it will take you to get to and from camp from work and home.
Want the Best Summer Day Camp for Your Children?
Cedar Brook summer kids camp is a great experience for campers of any type. The programs offered are numerous and extremely diverse, and the staff are well trained and beyond friendly! Located at 152 Cedar Grove Lane Somerset, NJ, Cedar Brook serves campers in the Somerset County, New Jersey area in towns such as Piscataway, Manville, Warren, Watchung, Manville, Martinsville, Hillsborough, Bridgewater, Franklin Park, and many more. For more information you can contact Cedar Brook at (732) 609-5357 or visit the website.