Frequently Asked Questions Prairie Springs Camp
What are the age groups?
Do I have to know which weeks I want my child to be here at the time of registration?
What kind of activities will my child be doing?
Why do we need to pay a registration fee?
My child will be turning 10 in July. Can he/she go into the senior group?
Can my 4 year old go into Play N' Tykes?
What if my 6 year old wants to be with their brother or sister who is in Junior's?
Can my child come for a half day?
What is Accreditation?
What is the difference between state licensing of camps and accreditation by ACA?
Does ACA accreditation require a criminal background check?
How can parents be sure their child will be safe at camp?
What questions should parents ask to help them find the right camp for their child?
What are the age groups?
| PreSchool U: | 2-5 |
| Explorers: Play N' Tykes Juniors Seniors |
Grages K-1 Jrs I Garades 2-3 JrsII Grades 4-5 Grades 6-8 |
| Adaptive (Therapeutic Rec): | 5 & Up |
| Skating: | 7-14 |
| Sports Camps: | 7-14 |
| Specialty: | Grade depends on the specialty |
Do I have to know which weeks I want my child to be here at the time of registration?
You must sign up at least 10 days prior to the start of camp on June 9. If your plans change once camp has started, we must know 10 days prior.
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What kind of activities will my child be doing?
Activities will vary by age groups but all camps will be involved in arts & crafts, gym activities, outside games, swimming 3 days per week in our indoor pool, swimming at the beach once a week, boating, & archery just to name a few. Camps will also be taking field trips: Play N’ Tykes on Tuesday, Adaptive TR & Junior’s on Wednesday, and Senior’s on Thursday. There is an extra fee for field trip days.
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Why do we need to pay a registration fee?
The registration fee covers administrative costs for materials and for the camp t-shirt. This fee is non-refundable.
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My child will be turning 10 in July. Can he/she go into the senior group?
It will depend on your child. The counselors will be observing the first couple of weeks of camp to see if kids are in the appropriate groups. We will have the option to move kids up or down as we see needed.
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Can my 4 year old go into Play N' Tykes?
No. They must be 5 in order to be in that group.
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What if my 6 year old wants to be with their brother or sister who is in Junior's?
We want the kids to be comfortable so we will be able to make adjustments. But we also want them to try to stay in their respective age groups.
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Can my child come for a half day?
Yes but you will have to pay the half day weekly fee which is $85/120. We do not offer a daily half day camp.
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What is Accreditation?
ACA Accreditation means that a camp cares enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 health and safety standards) review of its operation - from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association collaborates with experts from The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure that current practices at camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.
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What is the difference between state licensing of camps and accreditation by ACA?
Accreditation is voluntary and ACA accreditation assures families that camps have made the commitment to a safe, nurturing environment for their children. If a state requires licensing, it is mandatory; licensing requirements vary state to state. ACA standards are recognized by courts of law and government regulators as the standards of the camp community.
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Does ACA accreditation require a criminal background check?
ACA accreditation standards require a staff screening system which may include criminal background checks where permitted by law. When talking to a camp director, ask what the screening process for that camp includes.
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How can parents be sure their child will be safe at camp?
Nothing substitutes for the vigilance and care of parents in determining a safe situation for their children. While no institutions--schools, churches, youth programs, camps, or families--can absolutely guarantee a child's safety, parents should take an active role in determining that camps are fully committed to providing a summer of fun and growth in well supervised and nurturing camp environments.
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What questions should parents ask to help them find the right camp for their child?
Talking to a camp director will give you a good idea about the camp's philosophy. It is also an opportunity to ask the director some questions including:
- What training do counselors receive?
- What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?
- What are desired qualities in camp staff?
- How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled?
- How does the camp handle homesickness and other adjustment issues?
- Is the camp accredited by the American Camp Association? Why?/Why not?
