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28 Hudson Valley Parent n February 2017 planned activities. If you and your child know what to expect and what is expected of you, camp will run smoother. Most camps have a weekly schedule so parents know what the upcoming activities are. Talk with you child about what is planned. If she cannot participate due to health reasons, make sure you (not your child) inform the camp. In recent years, many day camps have developed strict policies about leaving technology items - cell phones, handheld games and other tech toys - at home. Their philos- ophy is day camps are designed to be enriching experiences and the children should be engaging in these activities rather than playing with electronics. If restricted items are brought to camp, they may be confiscated and returned at the end of the day in hopes the child gets the message. 10. Keep the line of communica- tion open. Talk about camp before it even starts. Reassure your child of the positive experience he will have. At the end of each camp day, find a block of uninterrupted time where you can listen as he shares his adventures. Ask what he liked about camp and if there were any things he didn't like. If he is having a hard time articulating what happened, break it down by activities -"What crafts did you do?" "Did you play any outdoor games that involved balls or running?" "Who did you play with at the pool?" "Who did you sit with at lunch?" Above all, encourage your child to always do his best, obey the rules and be respectful of others, and chances are, he'll have a great time. Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children. • Are you licensed by the state or do you hold an accreditation or certification? What exactly does that credential mean? • What kind of background, training and experience do coun- selors and staff have? How are they chosen? • What is the counsel- or-to-camper ratio? How many students are in each group? How often are the groups together? • What kind of medical response is on hand? Camp nurse or CPR and first-aid certified staff? • Are you able to administer medicine? • What is a typical day like? • How often will the campers take field trips? Where do they go? Is there increased supervision in populated setting? • What other resources are available to campers, such as a pool, ice arena, farm, hiking trails, ropes course, archery, etc.? How often will my child be able to par- ticipate in these? • Are lunches and/or snacks provided? • Do you offer before- and af- ter-care? Will it be the same staff caring for my child? • How often are the facilities cleaned? • What alternative plans do you have for inclement weather? • What does the camp fee cover? What extra fees will I be required to pay? • Do you offer scholarships or financial aid? • What is the refund policy and rules regarding transfer of weeks? • What is your policy regarding cell phones and other technology items brought to camp? • How do you handle homesick- ness and other adjustment issues? • What is the discipline policy? • How do you handle bullying? • What are your drop-off and pick-up policies? • Will you provide references? QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE CHOOSING A CAMP DAY CAMP (Continued from Page 26)