Choosing The Right Summer Camp

Camp Is For Everyone

Choosing the right summer camp for your child is not an easy task . There are more options today than even five years ago. Today, there are camps to meet every interest, price range, and schedule. Knowing your options, as well as your child's personality, will help you identify programs from which your child will benefit most. 

Resident CampResident Camp, also known as sleep-away-camp, is one of the best places for your child to identify and develop their individuality. Most camps offer a variety of programs for children starting at age seven. Resident camp options include coed, single sex, and specialty camps, which focus on a particular program. Resident camps offer varying overnight accommodations such as cabins, tents, and tepees.

Specialty Camps and ProgramsCampers can embark on adventures as varied as learning horseback riding, wakeboarding, film production, or dance. If your child has a special interest, there is likely a specialty program or camp for them. 

Finding the right camp can be a difficult task.  Using organizations like Western Association of Independent Camps will greatly assist in selecting the right camp and/or specialty program for your child.

Health and Infirmary Procedures

Knowing the health procedures and policies of the camp will enable you to select the one which best fits your family’s medical needs. Most camps have a standard practice as governed by the American Camp Association (ACA). However, camps do vary on policies, such as contacting home when your child is sick, what they do for a fever or mild cough, or how they handle medicine, natural herbs, and/or supplements. Asking these questions and knowing the policies will put your mind at rest, knowing your child is receiving top care.

Hiring Practices

Did you know that most owners and directors never meet their summer staff until they arrive for the first day of training? Yes, this is true! Vetting the camps whose owners and directors take the time to meet each staff person, no matter what part of the world they are from, is a very important step. Too many camps rely solely on video submissions, Skype, or a simple phone interview when hiring summer staff.

At Canyon Creek each staff member has had a face-to-face interview with an owner or director. We pride ourselves on finding the right role models for your child each summer. This is part of the core values at Canyon Creek Summer Camp a Los Angeles based resident summer camp.

Training

Camps may profess about their great training program; but what does that really mean? Camp staff training should be no less than 7 days and should encompass the standards and policies as set by American Camp Association and the local health department. The more questions you ask, the more comfortable you will feel when dropping you child off for their first residential camp experience.

Meet the Directors/Owners

There should be many opportunities to meet the owners and directors of camp. Some camps offer an on-site open house; some offer visitation days while camp is in session, and some offer meet-and-greets at a location near you. Take advantage of these opportunities to engage and interact with, and to understand who is, the final decision maker of camp policies and procedures. 

At CCSC we want you to meet us before the first day of camp. This will aid in easing your first time camper’s anxiety of being away from home. It will also let your child know you're committed to the camp, and in turn, they will be committed to going to camp without you. 

This is also a great time to make the staff aware of any of your child's needs or concerns. Remember, we are all part of the same team focusing on giving your child an exceptional camp experience.

While we are a Los Angeles based resident summer camp, we do have meet and greet events all over the state. Please contact our office for a location nearest you.

Make your decision, and make your reservation

In a nutshell, choosing the right camp for your child will be a multi-faceted approach , from checking out websites, speaking with and meeting full time year-round staff, visiting sites, learning camp policies, speaking to your friends, and to checking accreditation, CCSC is here to answer any of your questions.

About Canyon Creek Summer Camp

Canyon Creek Summer Camp provides a safe, non-competitive environment where boys and girls build confidence and independence, learn teamwork and develop problem-solving skills. We are a sleep-away summer camp based just about an hour outside Los Angeles, California.

Our 81-acre complex features prime athletic facilities, state of the art equipment and the ideal setting for children to escape the distractions of city life. Through dedication to our camp families, and steadfast commitment to our campers, Canyon Creek is proud to be among the top campsites on the West Coast.