If possible, visit the camp ahead of time so that your child will be familiar with the cabins and other general surroundings. Many camps actively promote competition and healthy rivalry among camp teams, as reflected in team sports.
Some parents feel that learning to be competitive at an early age teaches essential survival skills.
But other parents and educators are in favor of cooperative learning. Knowing your child's personality and style of learning is valuable in selecting the right camp. American Camping Association minimum standards recommend directors possess a bachelor's degree, have completed in-service training within the past three years, and have at least 16 weeks of camp administrative experience. ACA standards require different ratios for varying ages and special needs. The same qualities of trustworthiness and dependability sought by any employer are valued commodities in camp employees.