10 Important Questions to Ask While Choosing Among the Best Overnight Summer Camps in Wisconsin

Are you confused between the various overnight summer camp choices in Wisconsin for your child? Let us help you out with our list of questions that you can ask the camp directors before making your final decision. The list being compiled by the American Camp Association serves as the best short listing instrument for young campers and their parents.

1. What’s the camp philosophy?

Often overnight summer camps in WI look the same from the outside, yet, each camp has its own flavor and philosophies. This could include things like competition vs noncompetition or hardship vs accommodation. Maybe it’s resort-style vs life skills. Hence, it’s always better to check that beforehand and whether you are comfortable with it. 
Every child and family is and has goals and expectations, which is why it’s important to choose a summer camp that best matches their personality while offering opportunities to improve.

2. How does the camp recruit, screen, and train its staff? 

Camp staff is the heart & brain of every summer camp. Therefore it is important that your camp properly selects and trains the staff. So ask things like: How is staff recruited? Or what is the training process? Maybe even: Where do staff come from? Every camp should do background checks and call references. 

3. What’s the counselor return rate?

The American Camp Association says at most camps, 50 percent of the staff returns. However, this is just a rule of thumb. If the number you're given is lower than this, just ask why.

4. What’s the camper return rate?

Again, 50% is a good number. The more the better, because it means campers are having a good time, parents trust the camp and there is a good chance your child will want to return.

5. What's the ratio of counselors to campers? 

The American Camp Association guidelines for overnight camps call for: 
> 1:6 ratio for ages 7 and 8; 1:8 for ages 9-14; and 1:10 for ages 15-18
Day camp guidelines call for:
> 1:8 for children ages 6-8; 1:10 for children ages 9-14; and 1:12 for ages 15-18

6. How old are the counselors? 

According to the American Camp Association, 80% of the staff should be 18 or older and all other staff members must be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise. The better camps use all staff over 18.

7. What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby? 

It is recommended that overnight camps have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access to a medical professional. However, most local codes do not require this stringent adherence to onsite care. 

8. How does the camp handle conflicts and Discipline? 

Carefully go through all camp’s rules and regulations. You should feel comfortable that the camp's practices are in line with your parenting practices and that you feel comfortable with another person disciplining your child.

9. What does a typical daily schedule look like? 

Most camps have different ways of scheduling the camp day. It is important to be sure you feel comfortable with what you see. For instance, if your child loves archery, can they do it daily? Be sure to ask. 

10. Does your camp provide transportation for the campers? 

If so how is this done? Do they subcontract motor coach transportation or use camp vans? How do they train the drivers and check credentials? Does the camp certify the vehicles are safe? How?

Last but not the least, the most important thing to do is ask for references. This is an area that is not done enough. Every family should call at least 2 families with a specific list of questions.

We at Swift Nature Camp, strictly follow all guidelines laid by the American Camp Association, which is why our name is counted among