A summer camp should be one of the best experiences of a young person’s life. Discovering the world, building long-lasting skills and making new friends are just a few of the life-changing experiences that can occur at a day, sports or specialty camp. But you have to pick the right camp for a young person to have those experiences.

With camp selection season upon us, ESF Camps offer these five tips for picking a summer camp for your young person.

1. Have a Family Discussion

Is your child interested in sports? Maybe they want to explore their inner chef or feel the excitement of pitching a business idea? Or do they want to experience a little bit of everything? The first step to selecting a camp is to have a family conversation about what type of camp experience your son or daughter wants. That should help point you in the right direction and ensure you are making the best choice.

2. Conduct Research

Before selecting a camp, visit websites, check reviews and talk to friends and neighbors. Pick up the phone and call the camp operator or send an email. Ask questions about the history of the camp, its philosophy and how a curriculum is developed. The best summer camps don’t develop by chance. They are the product of 12 months of preparation, including curriculum development and staff training, which begins the day the previous year’s camp ends. That results in a premier camp experience for your young person.

3. Learn Who Staffs The Camp

Camp directors and camp counselors are key to the experience your son or daughter will have. Inquire about the background and experience of the directors and counselors. Are they trained educators or high school students? Be sure to ask about the camper to counselor ratio. Training is a critical component of summer camp preparation. Learn about the training the camp provides to its staff before camp begins.

4. Be Certain Safety Is First

The safety of your young person should be paramount at any camp. But check to make sure that a commitment to safety is more than just a few words on a page. Ask camp operators about the training that is provided to camp staffers. What protocols are in place for security at a camp site? Something as seemingly mundane as a car drop off line deserves special attention as do procedures for handling special allergies that a child might have.

5. Check Out The Camp’s Home

Your young person will spend hours at a camp location during the summer. That location should be the best possible home. Many camps are held at schools. If you aren’t familiar with the school or location, visit a website to learn about what is part of the campus. You might even try to drive to school while observing security procedures. You will want to know about indoor and outdoor opportunities at the facility. Swimming pools, theaters, cafeterias and gymnasiums are important pieces of a summer camp. Will they contribute to a good experience for your son or daughter?

Visit www.ESFCamps.com to learn more or try the ESF Program Finder to find the perfect fit for your child.