CONTACT: Susan Bach, Director of Communications
PHONE: 414- 847- 6085
FAX: 414-302- 0355
E-MAIL: sbach@wisconsin.bbb.org
Milwaukee, Wis., March 23, 2012 – When warm days interrupt winter’s chill, many smart parents think ahead to what camps or other activities their children may attend over the summer. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has tips and Business Reviews that can help parents find camps that will provide safe, rewarding experiences for children.
“A great camp can be a wonderful experience for your child,” said Randall Hoth, Wisconsin BBB president and CEO. “For your own peace of mind, check on staff qualifications and the camp’s procedures to keep your child safe and well.”
When choosing a camp, parents need to use the same care and common sense they would use in evaluating a day care program. They should look for a camp that provides activities that are of interest to their child and appropriate for the child’s age and skill level.
Parents need to take time to visit camps to inspect facilities, ask about the staff’s training and experience, and find out how the camp handles medical emergencies. If the child is staying overnight, be sure to look at cabins, showers and other facilities that your child will be using.
Some camps, such as those organized around a particular sport, are highly structured and stress development of specific skills. Others are more flexible and give campers the opportunity to choose some of their activities. Your child’s interest and personality should be your guide in choosing an appropriate program. If the child is old enough, ask what activities he or she would enjoy at camp.
Parents should ask how long a camp has been in business and check with parents of past and returning students. Check the BBB website, http://www.bbb.org, for the camp’s record on handling complaints. The standards for day and overnight camps may be different, but each should have your child’s safety and well-being as its top priority.
The BBB offers the following tips for parents searching for the right camp:
Always visit the camp before submitting your deposit. Check its location and view the living, eating and recreational facilities. Ask about safety procedures (particularly for water activities, archery and out-of-camp trips), and assess the quality and commitment of the staff.
Ask about fees and payment deadlines. Is your deposit refundable? Are there extra charges for any activities? Are meals and transportation offered?
What is the camper return rate? The counselor return rate?
What is the camp director’s background? How is the staff trained? Are criminal checks made for employees and volunteers? What is the ratio of campers to staff members?
Are medical facilities adequate? Is a nurse or doctor on site? What are the procedures for transporting injured or sick children to medical facilities? Are those facilities nearby?
What are the safety rules and how are they enforced? Does the camp have appropriate insurance coverage?
Are family visits or other communications with campers allowed? How is homesickness handled?
Are references from parents of repeat campers available? Ask the parents about their child’s experience and why they recommend the camp.
Finally, look for camps that are certified by the American Camp Association. ACA-accredited camps have met up to 300 nationally recognized standards.
Before you do business with a charity or company, check its BBB Business Review at http://www.bbb.org or by calling 414-847-6000 (metro Milwaukee), 920-734-4352 (Appleton), 608-268-2221 (Madison) or 800-273-1002 (elsewhere in Wisconsin). For more news, tips and advice, follow the Wisconsin BBB on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook.
About BBB
BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. Although the first BBB was founded in 1912, the Wisconsin BBB began in 1939. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than four million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit http://www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.
