PHOTO COURTESY OF ALDRIDGE GARDENS
Bham Family March 2020 23
kids who need a sensory inclusive environment.
Chowning will ask parents, “What works at home that
we can do here?”
Remember to be mindful of the age
requirement. There’s more to going to camp
than just the learning, and it’s important to be
around children the same age,” Chowning says.
While they be mentally ready for an educational
camp component,
psychologically your
child may not be
ready to be with an
older (or younger)
age group. Trust the
camp counselors
for guidance on this.
“We match themes
with state standards,”
Chowning says.
Inquire about the
teacher-student
ratio. A small adult-to-child ratio is best. For instance,
Chowning says that each camp classroom at Camp
McWane includes a teacher, a counselor, and
volunteers. This ensures that your child receives
individual attention and optimal learning.
Find out about the credentials of the instructors.
“All of our teachers at Aldridge Gardens camps are
specialized training that allows them to take really
good care of the kids. McDonald, or Mrs. Mac, is the
education director at Aldridge Gardens and has been
in charge of camp programming for four years. She is
a retired Hoover teacher who taught special ed for 28
years. She organizes programs such as the American
Girl Doll Camps in partnership with the Hoover Belles
among other ones like The Art and Math of Origami
and Engineering and Construction Camps, which keep
math skills alive over the summer.
Visit the venue beforehand if you can. “It’s nice to
see how clean the venue is,” says Arwood.
Communicate, communicate, communicate.
“Foreknowledge is good knowledge,” says
McDonald. She advises parents to communicate
with camp directors
as they would a
babysitter and to let
them know of any
special needs or food
allergies.
Understand that
there are many
options. Not every
parent is keen to
pack up little Ella
and send her away
for overnight camp or even to a week-long camp. For
those stay-at-home parents who might just want an
occasional outing, there are one-day camps available.
For instance, Ace Cheer Company in Homewood
hosts a one-day Beach Splash Summer Camp in June
and July that gives kids a chance to just be kids—with
open playtime and plenty of games.
PREPARING YOUR CHILD
Be sure to read all of the materials prior to camp.
Make sure your child is equipped with the necessary
gear they need for camp. “Believe it or not, not
Arwood says. Make sure you know the dress code.
Predispose your child to the mission of the camp.
It’s important to get them excited about the camp
activities before they walk in the door. “It is good to
talk to your child before camp starts and let them
know what they will be studying,” Chowning says. It’s
an opportunity to start an educational discussion with
your child and reinforce the learning at home. “Letting
kids know what to expect makes a big difference,”
Arwood says.
Make sure your child is prepared for inclement
weather. McDonald advises all parents to dress their
kids for weather conditions, or at least pack a bag
with provisions for outdoor wear.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ACE CHEER CAMP
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your child’s camp experience their best. Even down
to writing their names on all of their items with a sharpie marker. It seems like a little thing, but little
things make a big difference when it comes to ensuring your child’s learning and success.