For the summer vacation, many parents are debating the issue of registering their children for a summer camp.
What should you check when you choose a summer camp for children?
What is the difference between one summer camp to another?
What should be emphasized?
And what should we forget to ask?
business license:
The business license is proof that the summer camp is supervised by the Ministry of Education.
Know what to ask: Do you have a license to run a summer camp or camp?
Insurance:
Simple, clear, and uncompromising.
Make sure the camp has third party insurance.
This means that in the event of an injury or injury, the apprentice, there will be insurance coverage on behalf of the camp.
Know what to ask: Is there insurance?
Medical Arrangements at the Camp:
Hundreds of children running around, dozens of bullets flying through the air, thousands of playing hours.
Unfortunately, the statistics will always win and there will certainly be a child who will fall and injure his knee during a game.
The question is not “Will it happen?” But “What are the medical arrangements available to the staff when necessary?”
The minimum required is first-aid kits available and preferably a 24-hour paramedic and nurse.
Make sure that the medical staff knows and practices the procedure for evacuating an apprentice to a health fund/hospital and that there is a permanent evacuation vehicle at the site.
Know what to ask: Is there a sister in the compound?
Is the medical team available 24 hours a day?
What is the nearest emergency room and is there a procedure for evacuating it?
Structure and composition of management:
Summer camp managers are required to participate in a special program for summer camp managers on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
In addition, the camp director must have an academic degree, and it is recommended that he be in the field of education or training.
In addition to formal education, it is worthwhile to clarify the experience of the camp director and whether he played a similar role in the past.
Beyond the camp director, it is important to take an interest in the additional staff at the camp.
Is there a safety coordinator – whose job is to manage the field of safety in the camp – or is it also the responsibility of the individual manager?
A broad managerial avenue whose members are responsible for specific areas will deal with problems that may arise.
Know what to ask: Who is the camp director?
What is his education and experience?
Who stands beside him in the ongoing running of the camp?
Quality of training:
The ratio between the number of campers and camp counselors is 1:25.
That is, one instructor per 25 (!) Trainees.
Of course, the more camp counselors you have, the more accessible, available and close to your child will be.
A summer camp requires an even closer relationship and a personal response to the needs of the child at all hours of the day.
It is recommended that there be a guide for every 4 or 5 students at most.
In most of the summer camps, the counselors are teenagers, graduates of grades 10 or 11.
While according to the Ministry of Education, students who completed a course for young instructors and have a certificate are qualified to be instructors,
it is recommended to look for frameworks in which the instructors are older,
aged 22-24 at least, who have undergone a process of screening and training of recognized bodies such as the Overseas Shlichim Division the Jewish Agency.
Know what to ask: What is the relationship between mentors and apprentices?
Who are the instructors and what is their experience?
What training are they going through?
The Educational Program:
A summer camp is fun and freedom, but it is important to remember that the activity of the children during the summer vacation can also be an educational added value.
The Ministry of Education encourages the camp directors to take action in the educational direction but does not oblige them. It is important to emphasize that an educational program is not a curriculum!
The children have to spend their time enjoying the summer camp,
but it is also possible to integrate social skills and high-level activities that will enrich the children’s content in the fields of music, dance, theater, art and more.
It is important to note that in every field of activity there is a professional instructor in his field that enables the students to express themselves and develop.
Furthermore, it is recommended that each age group have an educational program tailored to the needs of the trainees at this age.
Know what to ask: What activities are there in the camp? Who passes them? Are there educational issues or values that are emphasized?
Recommendations:
All in all, children know best what is good for them and where they enjoyed it.
A good summer camp is the one the students enjoy.
An excellent camp is the one whose students return to it year after year and bring in more friends.
It is worthwhile to visit the camp’s website, to take an interest, to read personal experiences, and to hear what former students say about it.
It is also recommended to browse the camp’s Facebook page and be immediately impressed by what former students write.
Know what to ask: Do not be shy!
Ask for recommendations about the camp.
Call other parents and friends and hear from them.
What’s better – day summer camp or long summer camp?
The differences between day or long summer camp are essential.
At the time of selection, it is recommended to consult with the children and all considerations should be taken into consideration.
While the day camp provides an only partial response to morning and afternoon hours and requires parents to take care of extra activities during the afternoons (taking to the movies, driving a mall, bouncing to friends …).
For the most part, the children of the class or neighborhood go together to the same summer camp.
This creates a situation in which the child does not expand the circle of his friends, is not exposed to new people, and does not develop social ties over the years.
A summer camp, and certainly an international camp, gives its students a unique and extraordinary experience that will change their lives.
Memberships formed during the activities from morning to night remain for life.
A summer camp gives the apprentice a safe space for personal experiences, personal development, and plants for independence and maturity.
Economic costs are also the sum of a significant day of consideration.
Here it is important to note that in addition to the registration fee and the cost of the camp, there will be many additional costs during the camp days.
Afternoon, late for work because the ride was delayed, pocket money to spend at the kiosk Of the pool and more and more.
A summer camp includes accommodation costs, full economy, nutritious meals and even a kiosk spending tab.
This, of course, is added to the educational experience and the added value that the trainee receives that cannot be estimated financially.
A fun and safe summer for all of us!
