Get to know the camp director as a person through telephone conversations, correspondence, and a personal visit. Have the director describe the camp's philosophy and how it is carried out by the staff. Each camp has its own method of constructing programs based on its philosophy. Many camps actively promote competition and healthy rivalry among camp teams, as reflected in team sports. For many campers this is pure fun.
Some parents feel that learning to be competitive at an early age teaches essential survival skills.
However, other parents and educators are in favor of cooperative learning. Research has shown that noncompetitive methods encourage young people to learn more, retain it longer, and develop greater self-esteem and appreciation for others. Knowing your child's personality and style of learning is valuable in selecting the right camp. It is only logical that members of your family attend an ACA-accredited camp. This does not guarantee a risk-free environment, but it's some of the best evidence parents have of a camp's commitment to a safe and nurturing environment for their children.