Summer camps offer opportunities for kids

Thoughts of spring and summer cause parents to begin thinking about summer opportunities for their children. In the Extension office, we're making plans for some of our 4-H members to attend 4-H camp at Rock Springs 4-H Center this summer. And, the 4-H Junior Leader group is planning a one-day camp they sponsor for 4-H and other youth in the community each June.

A well planned and managed summer camp can provide a safe environment to introduce youth to lots of new experiences and interests. There's more to summer camp than meeting new people, making new friends, and trying new activities. A summer camp will typically include physical activities and opportunities for personal growth that come from community living and building respectful relationships. Living with a small group of peers encourages youth to develop friendship skills and to learn to cooperate.

Camps in a natural setting, such as Rock Springs 4-H Center, provide opportunities for adventure, exploration and environmental awareness.

The Bourbon County 4-H campers and their parents attend an orientation session several days before the youth leave for camp. Parents often are more anxious about the camping experience than the kids are and frequently have questions. For some youth, attending a summer camp may be a first experience in spending several days away from family. For parents, sending kids to camp is also a first time experience of being separated from their children for several days.

Asking questions of other parents or the camp sponsors is a good way for parents to feel more comfortable. Here are some questions parents may want to ask when considering a camp.

Where is the camp located? What transportation will be required to/from camp?

Is the camp affiliated with a group or organization? Who is responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the camp? How long has the camp been serving youth? And, what is the average age and grade level of their camp groups?

What's a typical day at camp like?

On average, how large are camp groups? What is the ratio of campers to camp counselors? What ages are served within any one group?

Are camp groups supervised by youth or adult counselors, or a team with both? How are counselors trained? Supervised? Will a lifeguard be present for water activities? Who provides transportation for off-site activities?

Does the camp offer a lodge or dormitory? Cabins? Tents?

Does the camp have access to medical or emergency services? How are emergencies handled?

Does the camp have an inclement weather or other emergency plan?

Families who are new to camping might want to consider family camp, in which the family attends camp together. Many camping facilities offer this option at some time during the camping season allowing the entire family to experience camp life together.

Editor's Note: Ann Ludlum is a K-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720 or aludlum@ksu.edu.