Look for these points when choosing a sports camp or program:
Type of Program: Whether a Summer or Holiday Camp, a weekly class, local league, week-end clinic, or adventure trip, most programs fall into several categories:
Residential Programs are generally for those age seven and older. Most are co-ed but there are many girls-only sessions. Resident programs offer varying accommodations such as dorms, cabins, or tents. Check to make sure the living quarters are comfortable and sanitary. Are there bathroom facilities and electricity? How does the staff deal with problems such as homesickness or conflicts with others? If applicable, what is the policy about food packages, letters home, TV, trips to town?
Day/Commuter Programs are similar to Residential programs but campers may enroll at a younger age and everyone returns home at the end of the day. Commuters usually take part in a resident program on a day basis at a pro-rated fee.
Special Needs programs are designed to meet the needs of children with various disabilities. Physical, medical, or mental limitations need not be a roadblock to a sports or camp experience. Some programs specialize in serving certain groups while others integrate special-needs campers in the session’s general population.
Session Lengths: Programs last from a few days, a few weeks, the entire summer or year-round. Many facilities offer specialized Winter, Spring, and Summer programs to accommodate school schedules. Be certain you can commit to length of time it takes to complete the session.
Accreditation: Camps should be accredited by the American Camping Association and hold membership in a regional association of independent camps. These organizations require adherence to over 300 essential health and safety, program activity, staff training, and facility-maintenance.
Philosophy: What are the goals for the program’s participants? The philosophy should match your own. Whether it’s a traditional camp offering sports instruction combined with crafts, cooking and campfire songs, or a competitive environment specializing in a particular sport, make sure there are clear goals and a curriculum designed to meet those goals. Ask what kind of girl is most likely to have a good experience at this camp. Does the camp promote competition and healthy rivalry or is it focused more on cooperative learning?
Quality Staff: The program should have a mature, well trained, and quality staff. What is the background and experience of the Program Director? How long has the Director run the program? What’s the criteria for hiring staff? What’s the average age and experience level of the staff? What kind of staff training is provided? What are the qualifications of counselors — are they teenagers or adults? How well is the staff screened? How do staffers handle behavioral and disciplinary problems? At a specialty sport program, what level of expertise does the staff have?
Return Rate: The camp or program should have a high return rate of both participants and staff. What percentage of campers return each year? Many programs have a 70% return rate or higher, year after year.
Staff:Player Ratio What is the player-counselor ratio and what are the characteristics of most of the staff? A program should have a ratio of a least one staff person for every six participants and if enrolled in overnight/resident sessions, there should be small groups, assuring quality supervision.
Program Flexibility: What’s the pace of the program? Is there down time? How does the program accommodate the needs of girls of different ages? The program should allow some flexibility. Do girls select their own activities or are they assigned? Do participants control some of their own activities? What happens when the weather is bad? How does the program meet individual needs and differences?
Meals & Snacks: What is the food like and who prepares it? Can the program cater to special dietary requirements?
Location, Facilities & Equipment: Is the program located in a nice setting? What facilities does the program have and how convenient are they for participants to get to? Does the program provide all the necessary equipment and is it in good condition? What equipment, if any, are participants required to provide?
Costs: Be sure you know what’s included in the tuition and what other expenses participants are expected to cover such as field trips. What is the total cost of the camp including extras? Find out if Financial Aid is available. More than 50% of camps and other programs offer some level of financial assistance. Is the program run by a profit or not-for-profit organization? Also check the Refund Policy which varies greatly from program to program. Is there a refund policy if a girl leaves early?
Medical & Emergency Care: Is there an on-site nurse or nearby doctor on call? What medical facilities are available and what medical staff is on-site? Where is the nearest hospital located? How are emergencies handled? Does every member of the staff know CPR and first aid? What is the procedure for contacting family in case of emergency? Programs without a physician or nurse practitioner on staff should have established medical protocols in cooperation with a local physician and/or hospital in the area. These protocols should address both major and minor illnesses. Finally, how does the program ensure the safety and security of its participants?
Some programs require an increased level of physical fitness because of strenuous activities (eg, Outward Bound, SCUBA camps). Participation in such programs should be described in advance to parents, girls, and physician examiners. Exact health requirements for participation will depend on the program and should be clearly outlined.
Transportation: Some programs offer daily transportation or transportation to field trips and special events. Find out what type of vehicles are used and how often they’ve been inspected by qualified mechanics. Are the drivers trained? Do they participate in ongoing safety awareness programs?
Insurance: What kind, if any, insurance coverage is offered?
After reviewing all the necessary criteria, take the first step and contact the programs that spark your interest. Think about the results you really want and the kind of program that best suits you. Chances are, there’s a camp, clinic, team, or class perfect for everyone.
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