72 OCTOBER 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS Beyond describing how summer camps can mitigate some of the special challenges FS kids face, I’d like to offer a brief overview of America’s current camp scene and how interested parents can find an appropriate camp. Things to Consider Costs. In general, parents can expect to pay between $300 and $1,000 per week for a traditional overnight camp. Specialized camp costs may be higher, depending on staffing, needs, etc. [Editor’s Note: For 2023, average weekly costs are more than $2,000.] When Are Kids Ready? With some camps, age 7 would be the youngest age, but 8 is more common. From my experience as a counselor and staff member, the greatest determining factor is when kids want to go. … Transition to Staff. For traditional overnight camps, 16 is the usual age limit for campers. From that point, they would move up to counselor in training (CIT) and counselor. Salaries today are quite competitive, and it’s a super job while attending college. … Accreditation. Accreditation by the American Camp Association signifies that the camp’s operations have been thoroughly peer-reviewed, including such critical elements as adequacy of staff training, the quality of the facility, staff emergency preparedness, etc. … Check out www.acacamps.org. How to Find a Camp? Today, an internet search can take you to any and every accredited camp. The choices can be overwhelming, but here are a few helpful sites: • https://www.find.acacamps.org/ • https://www.campchannel.com/ • https://www.camppage.com/ … I recommend that every Foreign Service family with kids consider a U.S. summer camp as a highly positive tool to help their children develop and nurture essential life skills, self-confidence, lifelong friendships and a sense of being “American.” Tibor Nagy retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2003 after a long career, which included 22 years in Africa at eight postings, with two ambassadorships and three stints as deputy chief of mission. He now teaches for Texas Tech. The complete article appeared in the March 2022 FSJ. EXCERPT FROM THE MARCH 2022 FSJ SUMMER CAMP SUPPLEMENT Why Summer Camp for FS Kids BY TIBOR NAGY
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