Wise parents ask questions about camp safety

Summer camp can be a fun experience that leaves your child with a lifetime of memories. Asking questions about safety can help ensure that your child comes home from day camp or sleep away camp with nothing worse than a sunburn or bug bite.

“To ensure that your child is entering a safe environment, you should check out the program thoroughly before your child steps on the bus,” said Nancy McBride, national safety director for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).

NCMEC recommends parents consider these questions when selecting a camp program:

Is my child ready for this program and interested in it? Consider your child’s interests and developmental ability. Observe the program ahead of time if you can and see if it matches your child’s interests.

Does the program screen everyone who will come in contact with my child? Many youth-serving organizations run both state and federal background checks on volunteers and staff for prior criminal activity or sex offenses.

What type of supervision does the program provide? Make sure the program is licensed and that there will be adult supervision of your child at all times. Make sure you are aware of all activities and field trips. Ask about the staff-tochild ratio.

How does the program treat campers? Look for an atmosphere that fosters communication between campers and staff members.

Have I talked to my child about safety? Practice basic safety skills with your child and teach him/her to get out of dangerous or uncomfortable situations.

To get more summer safety tips, visit www.missingkids.com or call (800) 843-5678.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.