You’ve found a camp your child is excited about, and now it’s time to consider all the details! Don’t miss asking camp directors these questions.
Establish Trust
- Is the camp an accredited program?
- Do the staff undergo background checks?
- What percentage of counselors returned last year?
- How many kids have left before camp has ended, and why?
- Can I meet staff or visit the camp before enrolling?
- Does the camp allow mail, phone calls, emails or family visitation days?
- Do provided camp meals follow recognized nutrition guidelines?
Safety and Support
- How many campers attend each year, and what is the camper to staff ratio?
- What are the emergency and medical protocols?
- Are swimming lessons provided at camp?
- What accommodations can be provided for my child’s disability?
- If the camp is electronic-free, what’s the protocol for emergency communication?
- How does the camp handle security for overnight lodging?
- Are there provisions for special dietary needs?
- Are kids permitted to keep medication like EpiPens with them during camp?
Practical Needs
- Is there an extra charge for any provisions, like transportation?
- Is before- or aftercare available?
Solving Problems
- How are kids disciplined if there are behavior issues?
- How does staff intervene with bullying or exclusion?
- Can my child sit out activities if they’re uncomfortable?
- Are there mental health professionals or other personnel on site my child can speak with if they are not comfortable with camp staff?
These questions were sourced in part from recommendations from the American Camp Association, the parenting advice resource Family Education and Understood, a nonprofit for learning and thinking differences.
Finding Camps & Camp Jobs
Best Parents (bestparents.com) includes a search tool for camps and summer programs for ages 9 to 18; especially good for teen adventures and international experiences
The Camp Lady (thecamplady.com): moms and former campers offer a free advisory call to assist you in your search.
Wild Packs Summer Camps (wildpacks.com) is a network of East Coast camps; helps connect you with camp counselor roles
American Summer Camps (americansummercamps.com) has a list of the top overnight camps of 2026, plus what camps are hiring and a search tool you can filter by age, gender, length of time and other criteria.
American Camp Association (aca.org) has a list of year-round camp jobs, helpful articles and a searchable database of accredited camps.
