It’s no secret – kids’ camps are not cheap!
It can be hard for families on a budget to pull together enough money to send their kids to a quality camp. That’s why it is so important to do your homework and make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
According to Callum Monteith, board chair of the Alberta Camp Association (ACA), the most important thing to consider when deciding which camp fits your budget and needs is what you want your child to get out of the experience.
“Ask yourself and your child why you are putting them in camp,” says Callum. “Is it to get them outdoors, as childcare, for arts and crafts, or as a physical challenge like sports?”
He adds that there are several things that can drastically change the price of a camp, including having a professional or expert attend to teach the children, the available amenities, and the ratio of counselors to children.
“Every camp should be very clear about exactly what it offers in its advertising and the package it sends out to campers,” says Callum. “If you are sending your child to a basketball camp that brings in a team like the Calgary Dinos, you will pay more.”
He says that some camps also have extras that are not included in the initial costs such as a camp tuck shop, so it is important to ask about those.
“It can be a lot, but many camps have financial assistance and subsidies,” says Callum.
He suggests parents ask about these opportunities while researching camps as the application process can take some time.
“Once you have narrowed it down to three or four choices, it is a great idea to go to an open house so you can experience what you will be getting for your money and get a real feel about whether the camp is going to be a good fit for your family.”
When researching camps, spend some time on the organization’s websites and social media pages. Read any reviews about the facility and its staff and even try to talk to parents who have sent their kids there if possible.
“One sign of a good camp is counselors and campers who keep coming back year after year,” says Callum.
Another way to assess the value of a camp you are considering is to look for the ACA accreditation. The ACA has been conducting accreditation inspections of Alberta summer camps including overnight camps, day camps, municipal programs, and rental facilities since 1971.
To earn ACA accreditation, camps must undergo an audit of their paperwork, policies, financial operations, staffing requirements, ratios, programs, and facilities.
“If you are considering two programs for about the same cost and one is accredited and one is not, definitely go with the accredited one,” says Callum. “It can help set your mind at ease that it is up to industry standards.”
When assessing the value of a camp, determine how much you can afford to spend, your child’s interests and what you would like them to get out of the experience and then make sure you do your homework.
Research the camp online, check to see if they are accredited with the ACA, investigate any open house availability and even call or email to get more information to ensure you are spending your hard-earned money in the right place.
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