Summer Camp Resources

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Approaches to School-Age Child Care

School-age childcare includes almost any program that regularly enrolls children from kindergarten through early adolescence during the times when schools are traditionally closed. This includes programs operated by schools, family day care providers, recreation centers, youth-serving organizations, and child care centers. Also known as extended day programs, before-and after-school programs provide enrichment, academic instruction, recreation, and supervised care. An array of drop-in and part-time programs also serve anad hoc child care function.

Options Available to Families of School-age Children

Changes in family structure and values have altered the way in which many children are cared for. More mothers are in the labor force; more families are headed by a single parent; and fewer relatives are available to care for children. Increasing numbers of families are looking for ways to care for their children in before-and-after school programs or through the use of a patchwork quilt of care arrangements.

There are many options for school-age care. Each offers advantages and disadvantages, and none is right for all children under all circumstances. Some children may benefit from the slower pace and smaller environment of a family day care home, while others may need the larger physical and social settings of an after-school program. Children with special talents may enjoy a narrowly focused program that allows them to improve their skills, while other children may require highly varied programs that help them maintain their interests.

Developmental Needs of a School-age Children

Self-care arrangements do not meet the developmental needs of some school-age children. As these children navigate the passage from early childhood to adolescence, they need opportunities to make friends, play, develop skills and initiative, see products through to completion, and receive attention and appreciation from caring adults.

Many professionals are concerned about children who are on their own after school and children for whom relationships with other children, adults, and family members are no longer are no longer a given. A number of questions were rising about self-care. How much self-care is appropriate, and at what age is it appropriate? Are children on their own at a greater risk for premature sexual experimentation or drug or alcohol use?

Characteristics of Quality School-age Programs

Researchers summarized three years of research on programs in the U.S. In the course of this research, it was discovered that the best school-age childcare programs have certain common elements. These programs:

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has established the National Academy Of Early Childhood Programs, which offers accreditation to centers serving children through age eight. Its validation criteria confirm the elements if quality programming mentioned above.

The School-Age Child Care project of Wellesely College Center for Research on Women has created self-guided assessment instructions for school-age childcare programs. Assessing School-Age Child Care Quality (ASQ) examines a program to determine which areas are strong and which could be improved. ASQ is designed to create a dialogue among program participants as they explore strategies for program change.

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Prescription for Camper Homesickness: Preparation and Patience

This summer, millions of children will get their first taste of independence at a summer resident camp. For many, it will also be their first experience with homesickness. But parents don’t have to feel helpless when homesickness strikes. The prescription for camper homesickness is a simple solution of preparation and patience.

University of California Psychologist Chris Thurber studied homesickness in 329 boys between the ages of 8 and 16 at resident camp. According to his results, homesickness is the norm rather than the exception. A whopping 83 percent of the campers studied reported homesickness on at least one day of camp. Thurber and the American Camping Association (ACA) suggest the following tips for parents to help their child deal with homesickness at camp.

While most incidents of homesickness will pass in a day or two, Thurber’s research shows that approximately seven percent of the cases are severe. If your child is not eating or sleeping because of anxiety or depression, it is time to go home. However, don’t make your child feel like a failure if their stay at camp is cut short. Focus on the positive and encourage your child to try to camp again next year.

Founded in 1910, the American Camping Association is a national community of camp professionals and is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through the camp experience. ACA recognizes the camp experience as a significant contributor to positive child and youth development. In addition, it is the only organization that accredits all types of camps based on 300 standards for heath, safety, and program quality.

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Dispelling the Myths About Summer Camp

There are myths about summer camp that may dissuade some parents from sending their child. They think that the typical camp is way too expensive, too exclusive, or too time consuming. However, these days there is no such thing as a typical camp. The more than 8,500 camps across the country offer something for every budget, interest, personal schedule, and ability.

* According to ACA’s 1998 Summer Camp Survey

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Helping Your Child Cope at Camp: Tips from the American Camping Association

Before Your Child Leaves for Camp:

If adjustment problems, such as homesickness, occur while your child is away at camp:

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Home Alone! : A Parent's Guide

Your ten-year-old comes home from school at 3:00, but you don’t get home from work until 5:00. They are at home alone for those two hours every weekday. What do they do until you arrive? Most likely get a snack and talk on the phone. Maybe they watch television. But because you are not there, you worry. Just like the majority of American parents who work and have to leave their children on their own after school every day, you are anxious about your child’s safety. However, if you follow the safeguards listed below, you can help ease some of this worry and take measures that will protect your children even when you’re not around.

What You Can Do

Are They Ready: Can Your Children...

A Word About Curiosity

Are there things that you do not want your children to get into while they are home alone? Take the time to talk to them about the deadly consequences of guns, medicines, power tools, drugs, alcohol, cleaning products, and inhalants. Make sure you keep all of these items in a secure place out of sight and locked up, if possible.

Teach Your "Home Alone" Children ...

Take a Stand

Work with schools, religious institutions, libraries, recreational and community centers, and local youth organizations to create programs that give children ages 10 and older a place to go and something to do after school—a “homework haven,” with sports, crafts, classes, and tutoring. Don’t forget that kids of this age can also get involved in their communities. Help them design and carry out an improvement project!

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How to Choose a Camp

Camp is a great place for children to unlock their potential and discover the world. This special environment helps young people develop positive self esteem and enhance their social skills while having fun!

With more than 8,500 day and resident camps in the United States, choosing a camp may seem overwhelming. Selecting the right program is often a matter of knowing your options and asking the right questions.

Camp Program

It is important to know children’s personalities and identify what camp programs will benefit them the most. When looking at camps, include your child in the decision-making process. By working together, you and your child will find a camp experience that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Some camps have structured programs where camp staff schedule all of the camper’s activities. Others are more flexible, allowing campers to choose some or all of their daily activities.

Most camps have a wide assortment of outdoor activities, sports, and games. Many camps offer specialized programs in aquatics, hiking, horseback riding, and the performing arts.

Camp activities are not limited to children. A growing number of adults, families, and seniors are discovering programs to fit their needs, too.

Types of Camps

Session Length

Camp can fit within any family’s busy schedule. Sessions run anywhere from five days to a full eight-week session. Some facilities are in operation year-round and others offer special seasonal programs throughout the year.

Cost

Camp remains a very affordable option for anyone regardless of background or location. Fees vary, but range from $15 to $55 per day for programs operated by non-profit agencies, youth groups, or public agencies. Independently-run camps cost between $35 and $80 per day.

Accreditation

When you choose a camp accredited by the American Camping Association, you have assurance that many important questions already have been asked and answered. These questions have been developed by professionals over a period of many years. They are questions the average person might not think of, but ones camp professionals feel are important to camp operation.

Accreditation is a process of peer-review and self-examination. Camp owners/operators agree to uphold a stringent code of practices recognized among camp professionals as basic to camp operation.

At least once every three years, a team of two or more trained camp professionals, known as visitors, observe the camp’s operation while it is in session and compare its practices with industry’s standards.

ACA-accredited camps have met or exceeded up to 300 nationally recognized standards. They address everything from the director’s background, to how foods are prepared and stored, to the qualifications of the medical personnel and professional staff. There are additional standards applied to aquatics, horseback riding, travel, and trip programs.

These standards are continuously evaluated and updated to reflect the state of the art in the camp profession.

The American Camping Association accreditation logo indicates that camp’s management is committed to operating in agreement with the highest standards established for camps and is willing to voluntarily invite trained camp professionals to verify compliance with the standards.

Resources for More Information

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Preparing Children for the Summer Camp Experience

While summer seems so far away, parents are already considering where to send their child for summer camp. Before camp begins, there are some preparations to consider that may make the child’s camp experience more fun and rewarding.

“Summer camp is more than a vacation for children,” says Bruce Muchnick, Ed.D., a licensed psychologist who works extensively with day and resident camps. “At camp, kids learn to appreciate the outdoors, develop companionship, and pick up skills that enhance self-reliance, cooperation, and interdependence. These skills will remain with them into adulthood.”

Parents should consider the following suggestions to increase their child’s opportunity for a rewarding camp experience:

Once your child arrives at camp, they may experience some apprehension related to the fear of the unknown and/or the fear of failure in new situations. Some refer to this as “homesickness,” which can take the form of stomachaches, headaches, occasional misbehavior (in hopes of being sent home), or even statements about “hating” camp. “Most kids need a couple of days to adjust to life at camp and being away from home,” say Muchnick. “They miss familiar surroundings, parents, pets, and friends. Overcoming homesickness, upsets in the cabin, and learning to care for oneself are important challenges that can be faced at camp.”

Founded in 1910, the American Camping Association is a national community of camp professionals and is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through the camp experience. ACA is the only organization that accredits all types of camps across the United States verifying compliance with up to 300 individual health, safety, and program quality standards.

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Questions to Ask a Camp Director

When you receive a camp’s brochure, you will invariably have questions for the camp director. From that first phone call or letter, you begin developing an impression of what a particular camp is like and how it is run.

A camp may be described in nothing less than glowing terms in its brochures. The setting may appear to be absolutely breathtaking. Activities may run the gamut from racquetball to modern dance. In the end, however, it is the human equation of how those activities are operated and conducted that determines the quality of the camp program.

Get to know the camp director as a person through telephone conversations, correspondence, and a personal visit. Have the director describe the camp’s philosophy and how it is carried out by the staff.

What Is The Camp’s Program Emphasis?

Each camp has its own method of constructing programs based on its philosophy. Many camps actively promote competition and healthy rivalry among camp teams, as reflected in team sports. For many campers this is pure fun. Some parents feel that learning to be competitive at an early age teaches essential survival skills. However, other parents and educators are in favor of cooperative learning. Research has show that noncompetitive methods encourage young people to learn more, retain it longer, and develop greater self-esteem and appreciation for others. Knowing your child’s personality and style of learning is valuable in selecting the right camp.

Is the Camp Accredited by the American Camping Association?

It is only logical that members of your family attend an ACA-accredited camp. Accreditation visitors ask the questions-- 300 of them--regarding essential health, safety, program, and operational matters important to a camp’s operation.

What is the Camp Director’s Background?

ACA minimum standards recommend directors possess a bachelor’s degree, have completed in-service training within the past three years, and have at least 16 weeks of camp administrative experience before assuming the responsibilities of director.

What is the Counselor-to-Camper Ratio?

ACA standards require different ratios for varying ages and special needs. Generally, the ratios at resident camps range from one staff for every six campers ages 7 and 8; one staff for every eight campers ages 9 to 14; and one staff for every 10 campers ages 15 to 17. At day camps, the ratios range from one staff for every eight campers ages 6 to 8; one staff for every 10 campers ages 9 to 14; and one staff for every 12 campers ages 15 to 17.

What are the Ages of the Counselors?

ACA standards recommend that 80 percent or more of the counseling/program staff be at least 18 years old.

What are Desired Qualities in Camp Staff?

The same qualities of trustworthiness and dependability sought by any employer are valued commodities in camp employees. Also, the ability to adapt to a variety of situations, empathy for and ability to work with camp clientele, a strong self-image, and an outgoing personality are important characteristics for camp staff.

How Does the Camp Handle Special Needs?

If your child has special requirements, ask the camp director about needed provisions and facilities. Is there a nurse on staff? A designated place to store insulin or allergy medicine? Are special foods available for campers with restricted diets? Every question is important.

How are Behavioral and Disciplinary Problems Handled?

This is where the director’s philosophy comes through loud and clear. Positive reinforcement, assertive role modeling, and a sense of fair play are generally regarded as key components of camp counseling and leadership. Rules are necessary in any organization and the disciplinary approach taken should be reasonable and well communicated. If penalties are involved for violations, they should be applied quickly, fairly, calmly, and without undue criticism to campers.

What About References?

This is generally one of the best ways to check a camps reputation and service record. Directors of ACA-accredited camps are happy to provide references.

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Ramsey County Supervision Guidelines

This is not the law nor is it a recommendation.
These are minimal acceptable standards.


We Will Assess the Following Reports:

(Taken from information received from Department of Human Services, Division of Child Protection.)

AGES 5 AND YOUNGER: All reports of children left alone for any period of time.

AGES 6-9: All reports of children who are left alone for more than 2-3 hours. It is acceptable for children to be home while parents run an errand or to be home alone before and/or after school until parents return home from work.

AGES 10-13: All reports where children are alone for more than 8-12 hours. It is acceptable for children to be alone all day until parent returns home from work, but it is assumed a parent, guardian, or caretaker will be there in the evening.

AGES 14 AND OLDER: All reports where a parent has been gone for 24 hours or more and if children do not know the whereabouts of the parent or when they will return. It is acceptable for children to be home alone for 24 hours or more provided they have knowledge of where the parent is and how to reach them or a designated caretaker if needed.

AGES 11-14: It is acceptable to baby-sit younger children all day with the expectation that parent/guardian/caretaker will be returning to supervise children later that same day.

AGES 15 AND OLDER: It is acceptable to baby-sit younger children for more than 24 hours.

Kids Alone – Safe at Home

If You Must Leave First in the Morning:

If Your Children are Alone After School:

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Summer Camp Selection Resources

The American Camping Association’s Summer Camp Answer Book is full of helpful hints and points to consider about summer camp. How to choose, what to pack, questions to ask the camp directors, overcoming homesickness, and other tips to make the job of finding a quality summer camp easier. Thanks to L.L. Bean’s sponsorship, this FREE booklet is available by calling ACA at (800) 428-CAMP.

ACA’s Interactive Camp Database is a FREE resource for parents that contain locations, programs, and costs for more than 2,000 ACA-accredited day and resident camps from coast to coast. It also provides specialty indexes and lists of camp locations, phone numbers, costs, session dates, clientele, and program emphasis. Plus, find listings for camps for special populations (physical and mental health concerns, for example) and camps with special programs (family programs, weight control programs). For those who do not have access to the Internet, free information is also available by calling ACA at (800) 428-CAMP.

Peterson’s Summer Opportunities for Kids and Teenagers provides helpful, in-depth information on 1,800 camps and other summer opportunities, including academic and travel programs. Available for $29.95, the directory can be ordered by calling Peterson’s at (800) 338-3282, ext. 409.

Local Resources: The American Camping Association has satellite offices throughout the United States. Many offer localized directories, free referral services, and/or camp fairs. For assistance, contact the national ACA office at (800) 428-CAMP.

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Additional Summer Program Resources

Resources for Child Caring, Resource & Referral Service, does not recommend nor endorse any programs. We cannot guarantee the quality of any of the summer programs included in this packet and we encourage parents to interview and check references carefully before leaving a child in a care situation. You have the final responsibility for determining which childcare arrangement will be best for your child.

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