The American Camp Association reports that 26 million children enroll in summer camp each year, and many of them make memories that last a lifetime while building lifelong friendships along the way.

Camps have arguably become even more important in recent decades as more and more households have featured two working parents. Single-parent households also rely on summer camp to keep kids occupied and entertained while school is not in session. That illustrates how important summer camp can be and underscores the significance of asking the right questions before enrolling a child in camp. In addition to inquiring about hours of operation, insurance and pricing, parents can ask the following questions before enrolling a child in summer camp.

What is the history of the camp?

A camp that has been in business for decades is not necessarily superior to one that opened more recently, but it’s still worth asking how long a camp has been around. It might be easier to determine if a given camp is what you’re looking for if it’s been around awhile. They may have a significant number of online reviews and may even provide testimonials from past campers and parents. A camp with longevity also can share information regarding its return rate, which indicates the number of youngsters who have come back each summer. A strong return rate can indicate campers enjoy their experiences each summer.

Who is eligible to attend camp?

Some camps restrict enrollment to youngsters within a predetermined age bracket, while others may be exclusive to residents of the town where the camp is being held. Eligibility is not only a significant variable in regard to determining who can and cannot attend a given camp; it’s also notable because parents may want their children to attend a camp that will feature some familiar faces. Attending camp alongside classmates or neighbors or teammates can calm kids’ nerves and make them more excited about going to camp each day. But camps open to children from other geographic areas also can be beneficial by allowing children to expand their social networks beyond their own towns.

What is the experience of camp staff?

Camp directors and staff members spend a lot of time with campers each summer, so it’s important that parents ask who these people are, how they’re trained and how much experience they have. No business can avoid employee turnover completely, so parents who hold out for a camp that’s had the same employees for decades will likely find themselves with an unhappy noncamper come the start of summer. But questions about turnover rate, training and the counselor selection process are important to ask prior to enrolling.

What is the camp itinerary?

Kids might get bored if camp features the same itinerary each day, and parents might feel such camps are not worth the investment. Ask about the typical camp itinerary, including field trips, daily activities, special events and entertainment. The more entertainment and fun at camp, the more likely youngsters are to love spending time there.

Is physical activity part of the camp?

Many students attend academic camps or camps where they learn to play music or further their existing skills. But parents know that physical activity is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle and a great way to make the best of the summer sun. When considering a specialty offering like band camp or STEM camp, ask about what role, if any, physical activity plays in a typical day.

Summer camps will be up and running before parents know it. Asking the right questions can help parents identify the best ones for their children.