The American Camp Association reports that 26 million children enroll in summer camp each year, and many of those youngsters make memories that last a lifetime while building lifelong friendships along the way.

Camps have become even more important in recent decades as more households have two working parents. Single-parent households also rely on summer camp to keep kids occupied and entertained while school is not in session and Mom or Dad is working. This illustrates how important summer camp can be and why it’s important to ask the right questions before enrolling a child in camp. In addition to inquiring about hours of operation, insurance, and pricing, parents can ask the following questions before enrolling a child in summer camp.

What is the history of the camp?

A camp that has been in business for decades is not necessarily superior to one that opened more recently, but it’s still worth asking. It might be easier to determine if a camp is what you’re looking for if it’s been around awhile, has a number of Google reviews, and can provide testimonials from past campers and parents. Camps that have been around awhile also can share information regarding the number of youngsters who come back each summer.

Who is eligible to attend camp?

Some camps restrict enrollment to youngsters within a predetermined age bracket, while others may be exclusive to legal residents of the town where the camp is located. Eligibility is also important because parents may want their children to attend a camp that will feature some familiar faces. Attending camp alongside classmates, neighbors, or teammates can calm kids’ nerves and make them more excited about going to camp each day in the summer. However, camps open to children from other towns also can be beneficial in helping children expand their social networks beyond their own neighborhoods.

What is the experience of camp staff?

Camp directors and staff members spend a lot of time with campers each summer, so it’s important that parents ask who these people are, how they’re trained, and how much experience they have.

What is the camp itinerary?

Kids might grow bored if camp features the same itinerary each day, and parents might feel such camps are not worth the investment. Ask about the typical camp itinerary, including field trips, daily activities, special events, and entertainment. The more entertaining and fun a camp is, the more likely youngsters are to love spending time there.

Is physical activity part of the camp?

Many students attend academic camps or camps where they learn and increase their skills. Knowing physical activity is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle and a great way to make the best of the summer sun, parents should ask what role physical activity plays in a typical day, even if the camp focus is STEM or music.

Summer camps will be up and running before parents know it. Asking the right questions can help parents identify the best camp for their children.