Choosing the Right Camp

Well, the 2011 camping season is fast approaching and camps all over the country are gearing up! In Wisconsin, there over 300 camps and camping programs ranging from Day Camps to summer-long programs. So, with literally hundreds of camping programs to choose from, how are parents to find the ideal camp for their family?

To begin with, it helps to sit down and make a list of the attributes that are most important to you. Do you want a Christian camp? Are you looking for a youth camp, family camp, mission trips, wilderness trips, etc? Are there certain program areas that you want to experience, including art, horse programs, nature, ropes courses, waterskiing, etc.

If you are looking for a Christian camp, the easiest way is to check with organizations like the Christian Camp and Conference Association (www.ccca.org). Please remember that membership is voluntary and not all Christian camps choose to register with CCCA due to the fees involved. (Currently there are 25 camps in the state of Wisconsin registered with them.)

If you are looking for a specific program area, you can check with organizations like the American Camp Association (www.acacamps.org). As with CCCA, ACA is a voluntary organization and many camps - mine included - do not choose to join because of the fees involved. The benefit to searching ACA is that they will allow you to focus in on a specific area, with 64 searchable categories of program activities, including aviati ...