Building a Strong Staff Team - Part III Communication & Strong Leadership

Previously in the Building a Strong Staff Team blog series we covered the importance of setting expectations, staff behaviour and developing a Staff Mission Statement.

In this last segment, we will discuss how you can continue to develop a strong team by encouraging open communication, rewarding hard work and setting an example through strong leadership.

Listen to your Staff

Now that you’ve laid down the law, recited your expectations and reviewed staff policy it is time to open up discussion with your staff. Help them to feel like they can take some ownership over the outcome of this summer and let them have a voice in what happens at their camp. Every person works and learns differently; make sure you are open to learn how you can best accommodate each individual on your staff team.

Most camps have a staff meeting weekly, if not daily. Make sure you leave time during these meetings for an open discussion. Ask your staff if they have any suggestions in any aspect of camp. Review the day or week of camp prior to the staff meeting and discuss what worked and what didn’t work. This is also a chance for staff to share stories and positive experiences with other members of the team.

Create an environment where staff feel comfortable voicing their concerns. Encourage them to be proactive by setting ground rules for this process. For example: if a staff member would like to submit a complaint about something they must also present a solution. This will avoid having too many negative conversations during staff meetings. Or, you can also ask the staff member to share their concern and open it up to the group to brainstorm ideas for a solution. This can be a great team building exercise and again, it gives your staff responsibility and that feeling of ownership over what is happening. People become passionate when they feel they are truly part of something.

Give Praise Where Praise is Due

“Hey, I have the perfect job for you!” he said to her. “You’ll have to work long hours for weeks on end with very little time off. Things will be busy, stressful at times, and it’s expected that you’ll be able to give 100% at all times. Also, we’re going to pay you next to nothing.”

Umm...anyone eager to sign up for this?

“Oh yeah, I should mention, you will have the time of your life, you will be forever changed, and will want to sign up again next year.”

This was a conversation I overheard at the end of last summer. My friend, who is a Program Director at a wilderness camp located near the Rocky Mountains, was attempting to recruit a friend-of-a-friend to work at his camp the follow summer. She took the job.

No one ever said working at camp was easy. It is a big deal for young people to commit their entire summer to camp. With long hours, low pay (or no pay), and limited time off it is easy for them to become tired, distracted or even discouraged. There is nothing they could use more than a heart-felt pat on the back for a job well done.

The American Camping Association gave a suggestion for rewarding your staff throughout the summer. Set up a reward system, like a raffle, to help them stay focused on positive behaviour. When supervisors see a staff member do a good job or go above and beyond, they can reward them with raffle slips. Put all of the slips into a box and make a draw at the end of every week for a reward. Prizes can be things like an extra two hour break, a delivered pizza, or gift cards.

Telling someone you appreciate them, that they are doing a good job, and that they are an important part of the team will always have a positive outcome. Empower your staff by reminding them of all the benefits that come with working at camp, let them know that you understand how hard it is, and that you are so grateful for their commitment. Showing your appreciation will help make their jobs fun, give them an extra boost of motivation on those tough days, and increase staff retention year after year.

Be a Strong Leader

Your staff team is watching you. They see you as a role model. Be a good one.

Act how you want them to act. Be understanding, fair, patient, enthusiastic, and encouraging. In most cases camp your camp staff will be young and this is the first time they’ve had to be responsible for anything, including themselves. They are looking for your leadership. Teach them to be strong leaders, guide them through their successes and help them turn failure into positive personal development.

Thank you for reading this series: Building a Strong Staff Team. If you have any ideas for staff training, team building exercises, or suggestions on how to develop a strong staff team please email us at info@albertacamping.com

Source:  http://www.acacamps.org/knowledge/human/stafftraining-articles

Building a Strong Staff Team - Part II Staff Behaviour

Last week we started this series on Building a Strong Staff Team. Being part of a nurturing community and developing friendships as part of a close-knit team can be one of the most rewarding things about working at camp. As Camp Directors and leaders it is our job to ensure our team is strong through setting clear expectations, offering encouragement and leading by example.

A team of camp staff during a staff orientation weekend

In Part I – Setting Expectations we reviewed the importance of setting clear expectations on all aspects of working at camp for new and returning staff members. We also covered the importance of staff policies and manuals as well as professionalism at camp and the benefits of teaming up new staff with your trusted returning staff members.

Although it was briefly touched upon in Part I, we will dig a little deeper in the topic of setting expectations for staff behaviour both on and off camp property. We will also give you some ideas for discussing behaviors and creating a Staff Mission Statement.  These discussions can easily double as excellent team-building exercises during staff training.

Staff Behaviour at Camp

It is important to have open discussions about staff behaviour during your staff orientation and training sessions. Share your expectations for your staff’s behaviour during camp as well as off camp property. This is also a good opportunity to engage your staff into open discussion, allowing them to brainstorm and share ideas with each other in a nurturing environment.

During staff training ask your staff how they would define  a good leader or an ideal camp staff member. Have a flip chart or large poster sized piece of paper at the front of the room and invite them to write down traits and behaviours that would contribute to good leadership and a positive role model for campers and other staff. Ask your staff if they completely agree with the traits and behaviours on the list or if there is something they should add. Once you have a list you and your staff agree with (feel free to add some expectations of your own if they were not mentioned) have each staff member sign the back of the list, showing their commitment to these attributes.

Have this list posted somewhere your staff will see it throughout the summer like a staff lounge or meeting room to remind them of the type of person they should always strive to be. Make sure they know that these behaviours are no longer negotiable and that they have committed to them.

Staff Behaviour Off Camp Property

When I was a young and eager 18 year old camp staff member, I remember our Camp Director discussing his expectations for the staff’s behaviour outside of camp property.

“Please don’t wear your camp t-shirt in public while doing something inappropriate,” he said. “Actually, please don’t do anything inappropriate at all!”

Your staff needs to know that while they work for camp they are representatives for your organization to the public. Even if they are hanging out at the mall on their day off they still need to be mature representatives of camp and should continue to meet your camp’s expectations for behaviour. They need to know how their behaviour outside of camp affects the team at camp.

For example, if they are out in public and a camper’s parent sees them smoking, swearing and joking with their friends about inappropriate things...how comfortable will that parent feel leaving their child at camp the next week with that cabin leader? Or, if they leave camp property during a break and drink alcohol and an accident happens when they return to camp...how can they defend themselves to leadership and parents?

All of your expectations, for both on and off camp property, must be explained to each staff member during the interview process and then repeated at staff training. Make sure everyone knows what the consequences are if they break policy. Give verbal warnings if staff step out of line and if the problem continues follow through with the consequences you have already laid out.

Team Building Exercise:  Developing a Staff Mission Statement

While most camps have an overall camp mission statement, it is a good idea to create one specifically for your staff. Developing a Staff Mission Statement can also be a great team-building activity during staff training. It gives you the opportunity to have open discussion with your team, talk about common goals, and expectations. Remember that not all of your staff will be familiar with what a mission statement is. Be sure to explain the purpose and importance of developing a Staff Mission Statement.

Break your staff into 3 to 4 groups depending on the size of your team. Make sure each group has a good mixture of staff from different areas of camp (kitchen, activity leaders, maintenance, programming, etc). Have them work together to define three goals they want to work on throughout the summer season. Have your staff regroup and share their goals with the entire team.

From here your team can discuss everyone’s suggestions and narrow the ideas down to three main goals. From these three goals create a Staff Mission Statement and have a vote to make sure everyone agrees with it. When you have your statement, post it around camp for all to see!

Stay tuned for Part III of Building a Strong Staff Team. We will discuss empowering your team through communication, being a strong role model , and how to show your staff you appreciate their hard work.

Source:  http://www.acacamps.org/knowledge/human/stafftraining-articles

Building a Strong Staff Team: Part I - Setting Expectations

Besides being outside all day, instructing amazing activities, and helping kids go on great adventures my favourite part about working at camp was the strong sense of community I felt with the other camp staff. Camp employs such a diverse group of individuals.  These individuals come together with different skills and backgrounds but also with similar goals, interests and passions! Some of the strongest friendships I have made have been with a team of staff at camp.

Most of our seasonal staff are high school and/or college students. Some are returning staff members but every year there is a fresh crop of greenhorns.  They are eager to please, but also nervous and before experiencing working at camp are not entirely sure what to expect. By setting clear expectations and creating a community of encouragement, friendship and positive growth, you can transform a group of young individuals into a very strong and powerful team of summer camp staff.

Explaining Expectations

As fun as it is, camp is not for everyone. Your new staff need to understand the incredibly long hours, the amount of energy that is required every day, and the limited time off.  Your staff need to understand that you will expect them to go above and beyond.  It's just the life of working at camp.

Besides the huge time commitment, they should also be interested in spending a lot of time outdoors and enjoy being around children.  It always surprises me when people come out to work at camp and then reveal that they don't actually like working with kids! During the interview process, make sure each potential staff member understands what you expect of them. Explain to them what a typical week of working at camp looks like, then ask them, if after hearing all of that, that they are truthfully (and positively) able to meet these expectations.

Make sure you share the positives of working at camp, along with the negatives. Ask your potential or current staff to weigh out the pros and cons of working at camp and if they truly feel they are up for it. Working at camp is a big commitment. The type of camp staff you need are the ones who are more than willing to make that commitment.

Review Staff Policies

Go through your staff manual with potential staff members during the initial interviews. Make sure they understand the policy and if you decide to hire them, have them sign a statement saying that they understand and will comply with the policies. Give them a copy of the staff manual and review it during staff training.

Although it seems obvious, you have to make your zero-tolerance policies on drugs and alcohol at camp very clear. Make sure they understand appropriate dress codes, your policy on smoking, dating relationships at camp, curfew, and whether you will allow things like tattoos and piercings. Be very specific on this. List recommended camp attire such as shorts that reach the knee and shirts that cover the stomach and shoulders, no beer or drug advertisements on t-shirts or open toed shoes, etc. The more detailed you are in your policy the less surprises you’ll have during the summer.

Expect Professionalism

Even though our staff are young and want to have a fun summer, they still need to act professional. Parents and group users need to feel confident that their children are in good hands. Obviously no parent wants to leave their 8 year old with a scowling, rude and irresponsible cabin counsellour.

Tell your staff that you expect them to be cheerful, polite and helpful around parents, user groups, campers and other staff. They need to show every day that they are a hard worker, team player, and that they have a positive attitude. In addition to good behaviour and work ethic, they need to look professional. Let them know that you expect them to be well groomed and neatly dressed...with the exception of pajama day!

Positive Affirmation

Team up new staff with returning staff (who already know your expectations) and encourage a relationship of mentoring and helpfulness. During staff training, share your own experiences to better prepare your new staff and have your returning staff do the same. New staff might feel more comfortable learning from a peer than their boss. Plus, teaming up your new and returning staff will allow your team to get to know each other better, accepting the new staff with the old.  Ask your returning staff to encourage the new staff.

Be careful not to scare away great staff by hounding on them, making demands and constantly communicating rules and staff policy. Set your expectations, set your expectations HIGH, make sure your staff know what they are, and then move your focus to encouraging them and rewarding them for a job well done.

Building a Strong Staff Team Continued....

Stay tuned for Part II of  Building a Strong Staff Team.  We will expand on the topic of setting your expectations on staff behavior and how you can help them develop into strong and passionate leaders at camp!

Source:  http://www.acacamps.org/knowledge/human/stafftraining-articles

Camp Staff Training: Bullying Prevention

Camp should be a safe place to make new friends, learn new things, and have great adventures!
Take a stand against bullying and create a community of caring and fun.  During your camp staff training this spring cover the topic of bullying, review your anti-bullying policy, and build anti-bullying strategy.

Bullying can be defined as any intentional hurtful act committed by one or more persons against another.  The old concept of bullying has always been “the big guy picking on the little guy” but it goes much deeper than that.  Many people shrug off bullying as a regular part of growing up, but the effects of bullying can cause damage that lasts a lifetime.

Bullying occurs in schools, sports, recreational programs and in the neighbourhood playground.  Sadly, a great deal of bullying can occur at camp.  As camp staff we must realize the serious impact bullying has on children and, through thoughtful bully prevention strategies, ensure our camps remain a safe and secure haven for kids to learn and grow.

There are three main types of bullying.  Physical bulling, which includes pushing, hitting, shoving; verbal bullying which is name calling, teasing, and gossiping; and relational bullying that includes exclusion, humiliation, and manipulating friendships.

Bullies are usually smart, popular kids with good social skills.  According to the American Camping Association’s Bullying Prevention Tip Sheet, bullies are usually seen as leaders by camp staff and other campers, but they lack empathy.  A classic victim is a child who shows vulnerability, making them an easy target.  These kids might have more trouble making friends and are often left out.

Camps and their staff must take a stand against bullying.  Start by developing a clear Anti-bullying policy for your camp that is shared with parents, staff and campers.  State the parameters and expectations for camper behaviour and be consistent with how you back up what your policy dictates.  Make sure everyone knows that your camp will not tolerate bullying.  

Parents and campers can sign an anti-bullying statement during registration that clarifies your camps stand on good behaviour.  Parents and campers both need to know that if that camper is involved in bullying there will be consequences, and outline what those consequences are.  Make sure you let parents know that their child can turn to staff in confidence if they need to, and that they are not expected to handle any difficult situation alone.   

Need some help developing your official anti-bullying policy?  Here are some resources including an example of an Anti-Bullying Policy and a Camp Policy Statement about bullying prevention.  

Your job as camp staff is to be a hero!  Remember that bullying often happens when staff are not around, so it is important to make bullying a regular topic of discussion with you campers to make sure they really understand that you are taking it very seriously.  Your camp staff should know that if they see bullying of any kind they need to step in, separate the kids, support the victim and report any bullying behaviour to the camp leadership team right away.  Teach the campers to create a community of caring at camp, encouraging them to look out for each other and to report any bullying to a camp staff when they see it.  Make your campers feel like they are a special and important part of your community of caring...because they are!  

Camp leaders are being watched very closely by campers.  You are a role model and whether you believe it or not, your campers want to be just like you!  Encourage your staff to look for the kids ‘on the bottom’, the ones who would be more prone to becoming a victim of bullying, and spend time with them.  By showing other kids that they are liked by camp staff, they might be more inclusive throughout their camp activities to this child.  Show empathy, but make sure it doesn’t look like you are showing favouritism. 

Bully prevention ensures the safety of campers and staff.  As camp professionals we are responsible for making our camps a safe place where children can reinvent themselves, try new things and develop self confidence.  By creating and standing behind a clear anti-bullying policy, creating a community of caring, and becoming active positive role models we can give campers the opportunity to enjoy their camp experience to the fullest!

Message from the Ontario Camping Association

The Ontario Camping Association is currently lobbying the Government of Canada for important changes with Transport Canada that will allow camps to operate their boats. Change in legislation has posed a serious problem for camps in Ontario that use boats to transport campers.

Although this may or may not affect your camp here in Alberta, we thought we should pass on the information to ACA members.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear OCA Members,

Thank you for your support and for your patience.

The OCA Transport Canada Committee has been working diligently to lobby the Government of Canada for important changes to allow camps to continue to operate their boats. Following the OCA’s May 10th meeting with Transport Canada senior executives, it was apparent that no immediate legislative or regulatory changes are possible in the short-term. We do understand that the Canada Shipping Act has a specific procedure for recognizing safety equivalency that allows for discretion to be given on a boat by boat basis. Transport Canada has asked, therefore, that we participate in this process and have gone out of their way to demonstrate they are ready to commit the time and resources at their end to manage this process, towards ultimately resolving this very challenging and troubling issue for camps once and for all. Should we find that the results are not positive, we will once again review this matter in Ottawa with senior political representatives in early fall 2013; but we are hopeful based on comments and commitments made in recent weeks by Transport Canada staff. In the meantime, it is critical that we show them good faith in honouring their process and fully participating in it.

We have been asked as an Association to complete the three (3) following steps.

1. Register your vessels by the end of May, if you have not done so already, and state in your letter that you have or will be registering your vessels - http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/oep-vesselreg-smallcomm-menu-542.htm

2. Using the attached, user-friendly draft “Camp Commitment Letter” (please contact the OCA for this letter) and aided by the attached suggested “Camps Check List”, plus the “Sample Transport Canada Letter from Camp XXX”, to create your camp’s personal “Camp Commitment Letter”. The attached template letter has an “X” where camps can fill in relevant information, in addition to sections highlighted in yellow where camps should tailor information/data to suit their specific organization and its operation of boats. We have designed this document to be as readily accessible and usable as possible. Please add or remove items that apply or don’t apply directly to your camp. This is the first step in the longer term Marine Technical Review Board (MTRB) Application process which some if not all camps will undertake this Fall.

By creating and sending your Camp Commitment Letter to Transport Canada, we hope this provides a delay in enforcement regarding compliance until equivalency is applied through the MTRB process this Fall (further information on this process will be sent to your attention) – you will note there is a specific request for confirmation of receipt from Transport Canada to this letter. We encourage all camps to keep this confirmation of receipt letter, as well as their submitted “Camp Commitment Letter” readily at hand should it be necessary to present it to enforcement through the summer months to detail the official process which camps are now engaged in. The reality is the staff at Transport Canada want the same thing as us - safety! They just don’t understand how the current rules actually make boating less safe; but once we deliver this information it is our hope that they will realize our risk management and safety record is for a reason.

When drafting your Camp Commitment Letter, it is important to detail the scope of activities at your camp and other pertinent information listed below:

• Location
• Years of operation
• Staff and child capacity numbers during camp season
• Camp activities that include the use of boats
• On and offsite training provided to staff (include water, fire, etc.)
• Current number of boats registered, capacity plate details or if a Voluntary Compliance Program

Application has been submitted to Transport Canada

• What safety materials the boats in use are equipped with (doesn’t necessarily have to be in compliance with commercial vessel regulations but an equivalency -what camps currently use as mitigation and equivalency measures)

• Boat inspection process- last date of inspection

3. When you have completed your Camp Commitment Letter (by Friday, May 25th if not before) please address and send your letter to:

Debra Taylor, Regional Director General:
debra.taylor@tc.gc.ca;

And also copy:

Capt. Naim Nazha, Director, Personnel Standards & Pilotage, Marine Safety and Security:
naim.nazha@tc.gc.ca;

Julie Gascon, Director, Design, Equipment and Boating Safety and Acting Director, Domestic Vessel Regulatory Oversight, Marine Safety and Security:
julie.gascon@tc.gc.ca

Berthier Pineau, Manager, Inspection and Operation Standards:
berthier.pineau@tc.gc.ca

Heather Heagle, Executive Director of the Ontario Camps Association:
heather@ontariocamps.ca

** Important… please let Heather Heagle know if you have any response from Transport Canada or if after a few weeks you have not heard from them. Please copy Heather on all follow-up emails.

Thank you for your time and expedient attention to these matters.

Sincerely,

Mark Diamond
Transport Canada Committee Chair

Points of clarification:

The Small Commercial Vessel registration does not apply to canoes, kayaks, sailboats or any other human-powered vessel, nor does it apply to motor boats under 10 horsepower.

Camps must register all motor boats if they have a horsepower of 10 or more.

Regardless of horsepower, if you are carrying six or less passengers and your boat has a plate authorizing six or fewer passengers, you do not need to go through this process unless you would like to have an exemption or show equivalencies to certain regulations you don't feel should be required for your boats given your circumstances.

Boats carrying 6 or less passengers are only required to be operated by someone with their PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operators Card).

Currently, boats carrying more than 6 passengers are required to be operated by someone with their SVOP license and MED A3 (marine first aid). Part of the purpose of this letter is to request not to have SVOP-licensed drivers if you can show Transport Canada that the SVOP course content is partly covered in your own camp specific boat training.

ACA Member Feature - Easter Seals Camp Horizon

The Alberta Camping Association exists to help organize, promote, and advance camps in Alberta. We will be frequently featuring ACA Members on this blog. 

 

At Easter Seals Camp Horizon camp means overcoming challenges, making new friends, and finding the freedom of just being a kid again.  Camp means having fun and playing outside.  Camp means finding the magic of nature and the warmth of acceptance and community.  Camp means an essential part of growing up and a life changing experience.

Easter Seals Camp Horizon provides outdoor sports, recreational programs and camps for children and adults with special needs.  Programming is developed specifically to excite, motivate and empower campers for are seriously ill or disabled and to give them the opportunity to experience outdoor activities and do things they never imagined possible.  They are the only  facility in Alberta that offers camp programs that are entirely dedicated to the needs of a specific special needs group each week during the summer.

Their summer programming includes residential camps for children and adults, as well as youth leadership programs.  They offer season camps including a Fall Sleepover Camp and a special Christmas Camp.  Easter Seals Camp Horizon can also customize a program for your corporate or church retreat, school function or family event that is targeted towards your groups’ individual needs and abilities.

Each specific camp program is specialized to ensure campers can maximize their potential.  Staff to camper ratios are 1:1 to 1:3 depending on the individual needs of the campers.   By building strong relationships with campers and their families, Easter Seals Camp Horizon works hard to understand each campers needs making sure they’re having a safe and fun camp experience.

This one-of-a-kind camp gives kids with special needs the chance to meet other kids who face similar medical, physical and developmental challenges.  They’ll find a support network here that will help boost their self esteem and build a community of caring friends and camp staff.

Plus, they’ll get the opportunity to try out some very adventurous activities!  Easter Seals Camp Horizon activities include a high and low ropes course, universal access high ropes challenge course, climbing walls, archery, swimming, river rafting, hiking and backpacking, environmental arts and crafts, hay rides, nature games, star gazing, and all the fun adventures that make camp...CAMP!

Easter Seals Camp Horizon subsidizes the cost of sending every camper to camp by 50%.  That means they need community support to continue the good work they are doing.  Financial donations from individuals, organizations and corporations allow them to provide campers with the specialized equipment, higher counsellor to camper ratio, and additional medical staff required to run each program.  Cuts to provincial and federal budgets means Easter Seals Camp Horizon needs your help more than ever.  Learn more about how you can help send a kid to camp! 

They are also running a fundraiser event called the Banded Peak Challenge on June 20th, 2013.  This fundraising adventure has participants biking 13km and hiking 5km to Banded Peaks in Kananaskis Country in support of Easter Seals Camp Horizon.  You can help out by participating in the challenge, sponsoring a participant, or making a donation.
 
Anna Garcia, Camp Horizon’s Director of Operations was on Global Calgary over the weekend talking about Easter Seals Camp Horizon and the 13th Annual Banded Peak Challenge.

Contact:

Box 540
Bragg Creek AB T0L 0K0

Phone: 403-949-3818
Fax: 403-949-3388
camphorizon@easterseals.ab.ca
www.easterseals.ab.ca

Easter Seals Alberta ...empowers people with disabilities.   "Our programs provide vital mobility and accessibility equipment based on need - regardless of age, disease or disability."

*Photos above are from Easter Seals Camp Horizon

 

Choosing a Camp for your Child

Attending summer camp can be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences in your child's lifetime!  

They will learn new skills, make new friends, gain self confidence and independence, and experience the great outdoors while keeping physically active.  There are so many positive factors to sending your kid to camp and we have so many options for great camps in Alberta.

How can you decide which camp is best for your family and camper?

With hundreds of camps ranging from day camps, residential, and out trip camps focusing on from activities like horseback riding, canoeing, mountaineering, to art, drama, and science there is a lot to choose from.  Think about what you and your camper want in your camp experience at camp.

What are the activities and interests your child would like to explore?
Talk with your child and ask them what kind of activities they would be interested in.  Are they athletic and love team sports?  Consider a sports camp over a science camp.  Would they love to try new things like canoeing or horseback riding?  Choose a camp with these options.  It's important to choose a camp with activities the child is interested in, over what the parent is interested in.

To find out what activities or type of camp that would fit with your child best, visit the Alberta Camping Association's camp directory.

What do you want your child to gain from camp?
Camp offers opportunities for your child to learn and develop new skills.  Beyond developing skills through outdoor education and other specialized activities, your camper will learn independence, develop self confidence, enhance their social skills, and even their ability to follow instructions.  Decide what you and your child would like to gain from camp and choose a camp that will help you achieve that.

Do you have any special physical, emotional, or mental needs?
Does your camper require handicapped accessibility, extra supervision or specialized medical attention while at camp?  Check with the camps to find out about special programs and accessibility.

What TYPE of camp would be best for your camper?
There are overnight camps, day camps, religious camps, private camps, agency sponsored camps, special needs camps, and municipality camps.  Is your child ready for an overnight camp or should they stick with day time programs?  Would you like you child to learn with a religious focus?  Do they require a special needs camp or a camp for children with illness?  There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different camp options.

Learn more about the different types of camp available in Alberta.

What location works best for your camper and family?
Would you like your camper to attend a camp close to home?  Would your camper like to explore an urban setting, the Rocky mountains, or a wilderness lake?  Camps can be searched by their regions in the Find A Camp section!

What camp will work best with your family’s schedule and family vacation time?
Many camps offer a variety of programs available at different times during the summer.  Some camps even have a variety of camp lengths.  Visit different camp websites and don't be afraid to contact them ask if they have shorter or longer camps available.

What is the total cost for the camp? 
Of course, you must choose a camp that is within your price range.  Most camps will have their registration fee posted on their websites.  Consider additional costs like transportation to camp, any special equipment or supplies your child will have to bring to camp, or money required for purchasing snacks or items at the camp store.  You can find out this information by contacting individual camps. 

If you have more questions feel free to call the camp office.  Their staff or Camp Director would be happy to answer any questions you might have.  Further still, you can ask your friends, family, and neighbours about their camping experience.  Perhaps they have a camp to recommend or can help you with your research.   If you think you have the right camp in mind, talk to others to see how they found their experience there.

Look for the ACA Logo!  Remember that all of the ACA’s member camps have been accredited with the big stamp of ACA approval!  That means they reach a high level of standards and follow strict protocols to make sure your child is getting the best experience in the safest environment.  These standards are related to things like site, facility, administration, leadership, health, food service, and programming.

If you have any questions regarding choosing a summer camp for your child feel free to contact the Alberta Camping Association at info@albertacamping.com.