How to Choose a Safe and Valuable Summer Camp for Your Child? 5 Things to Check

Safety is the most important aspect of any children’s trip. Before choosing a camp or holiday stay, check whether the organiser has the approval of the Board of Education to organise children’s recreation. You can verify this by checking the camp in the official government register of organisers.

If the organiser is registered in the database, it means they operate legally and are supervised by the education board, sanitary services, and the fire department.

Another important issue is emergency procedures. When choosing a summer camp by the sea, be sure to ask how lifeguard supervision will be provided. A good practice is to have at least two lifeguards during children’s swimming – one on the beach, the other in the water. Naturally, swimming should only take place in designated areas.

Also, find out about medical care at the camp. For larger camps, organisers often sign agreements with a nurse, doctor or paramedic.

If the camp is smaller and doesn’t employ, for example, a nurse, minor injuries and illnesses are handled by leaders or the camp manager. They should have completed a first aid course. In more serious cases, organisers use the nearest healthcare facility.

Don’t forget about insurance, which protects both organisers and participants against unforeseen events. The organiser should include accident insurance (NNW) and liability insurance in the camp price.

Also check if the price includes transport. Will your child be supervised by a carer during the journey? If travelling by coach, check whether the vehicle has a valid inspection from the Road Traffic Department of the Police.

Accommodation Standards: Comfortable Conditions for Your Child

The standard of accommodation is one of the most important factors affecting your child’s comfort. Organisers of cheaper camps often use budget locations, such as 2-star centres. Accommodation and catering are usually the highest costs for organisers. So it’s worth considering whether you’d prefer to pay a little more and invest in a holiday with a company that focuses on higher quality.

Before choosing a camp, check reviews of the accommodation. What do others say about cleanliness, food, service, room equipment, and location? Children should feel at ease during the trip – like at home.

Tip from Vitas School: Our summer language camps for children and teenagers have been held for years at the Fregata resort in Łeba. It’s important to us that it offers a good accommodation standard and tasty, varied meals. The resort is fenced and monitored. And it’s just a short walk to the beach!

Food Quality: What Will Your Child Eat?

Food quality is always a hot topic for parents! That’s why it’s worth reading reviews of the meals served at the camp.

The key issues are freshness, taste, and variety – the more colourful and appealing the food, the greater the chance your child will eat with pleasure.

Nowadays, many children suffer from food allergies or follow specific diets, e.g. vegetarian or vegan. Make sure the organiser is open to such requirements and that it’s possible to provide meals tailored to children’s nutritional needs.

Staff Experience: Who Will Look After Your Child?

When choosing a camp, pay attention to the experience of the staff. Leaders must have completed a camp educator course and hold a valid criminal record certificate.

Find out how many staff members have teaching qualifications and work daily with children. This is a good indicator of quality, as experienced educators know how to handle conflicts and respond to children’s needs.

Also ask what extra qualifications, courses or training the staff have completed. For language camps, ask whether the native speakers are from the UK – this affects the quality of the language immersion programme.

Don’t forget about references and parent reviews – these often give the clearest picture of care quality. The satisfaction of other parents is a great sign your child will be in good hands!

Talk to the camp organiser. If you can hear passion in their voice – not just a desire for easy money – that’s a great sign. They’ll likely put a lot of heart into the activities.

Engaging Programme: What Will Your Child Experience at Camp?

Camps are an amazing opportunity for adventure, so make sure the programme is rich and engaging.

Activities should be varied and plentiful to ensure children don’t get bored or homesick. When leaders plan games, activities and workshops, children get involved and eagerly await each new day full of fun.

Tip from Vitas School: When organising our summer language camps, we always make sure children create a group project – something they can proudly present at the end of the camp. Every year it’s something different: filming a holiday video, organising a sports olympics, or running a business-themed camp game. And we strongly encourage the kids to speak English throughout the day!

When choosing a summer camp, make sure it offers a similar standard and values.

Choose Consciously and Give Your Child an Unforgettable Holiday!

Remember to match your holiday plans to your child’s interests and needs. Whether it’s a sports camp, an arts workshop, or a trip to an exotic destination – it all depends on you!

Let this summer be a time of discovering passions and making new friendships. Take a step towards unforgettable moments – your child will definitely thank you for it!