I am a mother of two, Sensei of 100+ and have been childminder of many :-)
To be honest, this is the first time that I've run a camp but not the first time I've been involved in them!
I have lived the other end of the Summer Camp experience and as the neurotic parent that I am it has been a turbulent experience, wondering if my little children would be cared for as well as I expect for them.
Thankfully I haven't had any disturbing events, although I have been disappointed, especially where sports camps where involved. I have great respect for the sports coaches in Tuam and have never had an issue with any of these people. Yet when it comes to Summer Camps, frequently coaches know their sport and sports drills (really this applies to Summer coaches), but not children.
I have been to camps locally which have had bullying and poor conduct, which left for a bad experience for my son. At several of the camps my daughter wanted to attend I simply asked the organizers for their garda vetting and they had none. These people where surprised to even be asked!
So here's the question, "What questions should you ask"???
(And why are you too shy to ask?)
1. Qualifications.
What are the basic requirements for people supervising your child?
A) According to current legislation all adults in contact with your child must be garda vetted.
B) Does your camp have an always present first aider along with another adult to supervise if one child needs exclusive care.
C) If you camp is a sports camp are they Sports Council recognized and qualified in "Child Protection" and "Children in Sport"
D) Do they have a "Code of Ethics"/" Code of Best Practice"
E) What experience with children do the supervisors have?
2.Your Child.
Is your camp age appropriate? What will your child gain from the camp? Is the daily event plan varied, interesting and stimulating?
Can the camp best meet the needs of your child and their individual personality?
Is your camp adequately insured and what does your insurance cover?
If your child has special needs is this covered also?
4. The Location.
Where will it be on?
Is the venue suitable, clean, in good repair, have first aid supplies, age appropriate and safe.
Are there any excursions?
When it comes to event flyers, they are designed to be something to catch the eye of the prospective Summer Camper, however they cannot contain all this information.
Personally, being asked these questions is a pleasure and adds professionalism to what we offer and sitting on the side of the Camp Organizer as opposed to the parent shopping for a camp, I need to say
" Please ask questions, look to see qualifications and require the best for your child".
Any good camp will be proud to display their competency.
