For kids across the state of Texas, school is out and for many this means the start of Summer Camp. But before you get out the bug spray and dust off the sleeping bag, parents and kids should take some time to prepare for the summer send-off, especially if this is your child’s first Summer Camp experience.

Ann Sheets, National President of the American Camping Association (ACA) shared some insights about the process of sending a child to camp. She emphatically stated, “a child should not be ‘sent’ to camp.” She explained, “a child should be involved in the decision making process about whether they are ready for camp and which camp they want to attend. This decision needs to be based on their interests more than their parents’ preconceived notion of camp. With over 12,000 accredited camps in the United States, there is a camp suited for every child.”

Other things parents need to know before filling the back-pack include:

1. Philosophy of the Camp
What are their core beliefs and how are they emphasized? What are they trying to accomplish? What types of activities are planned? The answers to the basic questions must be communicated to your child before he leaves on his first camp adventure. This will allow your family to make an informed decision on whether this camp is right for your child.

2. Counselor to Camper Ratio
According to the American Camping Association (www.acacamps.org), the recommended ratio between counselor to camper varies according to age.

• For children ages 7 and 8: 1 to 6 (one staff member for every six campers)
• For children ages 9 to 14: 1 to 8
• For children 15 to 17: 1 to 10 (except when it comes to boys. In my opinion, more than two teenage boys in one cabin could be problematic!)

3. Staff Training
How are camp staff trained? How old are they and how much experience do they have? Have they all had background checks? Do they do drug testing? Remember, that these staff members will have close interaction with your children. You need to make sure the staff is qualified and well-trained.

4. Camping Accreditation
Is the camp you are considering accredited through the American Camp Association? If so, than the camp has met or exceeded industry standards. That can give you a little bit of peace of mind knowing that the camp has abided by specific guidelines and is well equipped to care for your child.

As a former camper and camp counselor, I can tell you that I have personally benefited from participating in summer camp. Ann Sheets contends that I am not alone stating that “camp allows children to engage in free play which has proven to reduce the risk of stress and anxiety.” She goes onto say, “camp has been a part of the American scene for over 150 years. ACA has been able to gather a great deal of research that indicates that children who attend camp develop essential skills that lead to becoming responsible, stable adults. Camp helps children gain self confidence and improve self esteem while exposing them to new friends from differing backgrounds.”

For kids who are a little apprehensive about leaving and may be prone to homesickness, Ann Sheets offers this advice.

“If a child has not had experience spending the night away, make sure that she practices by going on a couple of overnights with friends or family. In addition, explore having her attend camp with a friend and allow them spend time with each other before they go. They can talk about their upcoming experience and get excited about the adventure. Finally, I would recommend staying in contact with your child while she is away. Although some camps allow for internet communication, I still prefer the old fashioned letters and care packages. A little taste of home will make them feel connected to Mom and Dad and make them feel a little less lonely.”

I remember crying and wailing before going to camp. However, it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life. But more than the outdoor activities and arts and crafts, what I remember most about my camp experience were the friends I made, the boys I had crushes on, and the care packages from home. Now that I am a mom and will be sending my son off for his first camp experience, I am trying to prepare him for his time away.

I frankly don’t know why I worry. During a recent conversation he said, “I bet it will be like when I started kindergarten. You were the one crying, not me!” I bet he’s right. But just in case, I started collecting things for the care package. And rest assured, no cute little 7 year-old girl is going to take his Mom’s place as his Favorite Female if I have anything to say about it. I’ll let Twix and Cheetos do most of the talking.