Want to know about a camp? Go to the source. Here’s your complete guide to the essential questions that will help you choose the safest, most enriching overnight camp experience for your child.

The thought of sending your child away to overnight camp for the first time can bring up a whirlwind of emotions. Excitement about the adventures they’ll have, pride in their growing independence, and yes—plenty of worry about whether you’re making the right choice. If you’re feeling this mix of anticipation and anxiety, you’re absolutely normal.

The truth is, thousands of Canadian children have incredible, life-changing experiences at overnight camps every summer. These experiences often become some of their most treasured childhood memories, building confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. The key to ensuring your child has a positive experience lies in choosing the right camp—and that starts with asking the right questions.

Why Speaking Directly with the Camp Director Matters

While brochures and websites can give you a good overview of a camp’s facilities and activities, nothing replaces a direct conversation with the camp director. This person sets the tone for the entire camp culture, oversees all operations, and ultimately bears responsibility for your child’s safety and experience.

A quality camp director will welcome your questions—in fact, they should encourage them. If a director seems rushed, dismissive, or unable to provide clear answers to basic safety questions, that’s a red flag worth noting.

Essential Safety and Supervision Questions

Staff-to-Camper Ratios and Qualifications

“What is your camper-to-staff ratio, and how does this vary by age group?”

Younger children need more supervision than older ones. For children ages 6-8, look for ratios no higher than 1:6. For ages 9-12, ratios of 1:8 might be acceptable, while teens can handle 1:10 or 1:12. However, activities like swimming or wilderness excursions should always have lower ratios regardless of age.

“What are the minimum age requirements and qualifications for your staff?”

Many camps hire staff as young as 16 or 17, which isn’t necessarily problematic if they’re properly supervised and trained. However, you’ll want to know that senior counsellors and activity leaders have appropriate qualifications. Look for camps where:

  • Head counsellors are at least 19-20 years old
  • Swimming instructors have current lifeguarding certifications
  • At least one staff member per cabin has wilderness first aid training
  • All staff have completed criminal background checks

“How do you train your staff, and what ongoing supervision do they receive?”

Quality camps typically provide 1-2 weeks of intensive pre-camp training covering child development, conflict resolution, emergency procedures, and camp-specific policies. They should also have systems for ongoing supervision and feedback throughout the summer.

Daily Supervision and Safety Protocols

“What does your supervision structure look like throughout the day and night?”

Understanding the chain of supervision helps you visualize how your child will be cared for. Ask about:

  • How cabin groups are supervised during activities
  • Whether there’s always an adult present during free time
  • Night supervision protocols (cabin checks, staff overnight presence)
  • Procedures for bathroom visits and other times when children might be briefly alone

“Do you have a buddy system, and how is it implemented?”

Many camps pair each child with a buddy, ensuring no one is ever completely alone and creating an additional safety net. This system is particularly valuable during swimming, hiking, or other higher-risk activities.

“Are staff ever alone one-on-one with campers, and what are your policies around this?”

Reputable camps follow “two-deep leadership” principles, meaning no adult should be alone with a single child. If one-on-one time is sometimes necessary (medical care, disciplinary conversations), it should happen in open, visible spaces with another staff member nearby.

Activity-Specific Safety Measures

Water Safety

“What are your water safety protocols and swimming requirements?”

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children, making water safety protocols crucial. Quality camps should have:

  • Certified lifeguards on duty whenever children are near water
  • Mandatory swim tests to determine each child’s ability level
  • Clear boundaries for different swimming abilities
  • Buddy system enforcement during all water activities
  • Regular safety equipment checks

“How do you accommodate non-swimmers or less confident swimmers?”

Every child should feel included in water activities regardless of their swimming ability. Ask about:

  • Shallow water alternatives
  • Swimming lesson availability
  • Life jacket policies
  • How they ensure non-swimmers don’t feel excluded

Adventure Activities

“What safety equipment and protocols do you have for high-adventure activities?”

If the camp offers activities like rock climbing, zip lines, or challenging hikes, ask about:

  • Equipment inspection and replacement schedules
  • Staff certification requirements for specialized activities
  • Weather-related cancellation policies
  • Emergency action plans specific to each activity

Discipline, Conflict Resolution, and Emotional Support

Handling Behavioral Issues

“How do your counsellors handle discipline issues and conflicts between campers?”

Positive discipline approaches focus on teaching rather than punishing. Look for camps that:

  • Use restorative justice principles to resolve conflicts
  • Have clear, consistent policies that counsellors follow
  • Emphasize natural consequences rather than arbitrary punishments
  • Involve children in problem-solving when appropriate

“Are your staff trained to identify and address bullying?”

Bullying can happen anywhere children gather, but quality camps have proactive approaches:

  • Clear anti-bullying policies communicated to all campers
  • Staff training on recognizing subtle forms of bullying
  • Multiple reporting channels for children who feel unsafe
  • Swift, appropriate responses that protect victims while addressing behavior

“How do you support homesick or struggling campers?”

Homesickness affects most first-time campers to some degree. Quality camps should have:

  • Experienced staff trained in helping children cope with separation
  • Flexible policies that allow gradual adjustment
  • Communication plans that help children feel connected to home without increasing homesickness
  • Recognition of when a child truly isn’t ready for overnight camp

Mental Health and Wellness

“How do you support children’s emotional and mental health needs?”

Beyond addressing immediate concerns like homesickness, ask about:

  • Staff training in recognizing signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns
  • Protocols for supporting children with diagnosed conditions
  • Access to mental health professionals when needed
  • How they create inclusive environments for children with different needs

Age Integration and Programming

Mixed-Age Interactions

“Are different age groups ever together for activities, and how do you manage these interactions?”

Some mixed-age programming can be wonderful for building leadership skills and creating camp family atmospheres. However, ask about:

  • How they ensure younger children aren’t overwhelmed or excluded
  • Supervision protocols during mixed-age activities
  • Whether older campers receive leadership training
  • How they handle conflicts between different age groups

Specialized Programs

“How do you accommodate children with different interests, abilities, or needs?”

The best camps recognize that children have diverse interests and needs:

  • Options for less athletic children in sports-focused camps
  • Modifications for children with physical or learning differences
  • Balance between trying new things and building on existing interests
  • How they handle children who are reluctant to participate in certain activities

The Most Revealing Questions

Retention Rates

“What is your camper return rate year over year?”

This single question can tell you volumes about a camp’s quality. High-quality camps typically see 70-80% or higher return rates. Low return rates might indicate:

  • Safety concerns
  • Poor program quality
  • Inadequate staff training
  • Unrealistic marketing that doesn’t match the actual experience

Don’t just ask for the number—ask why they think families choose to return and what feedback they’ve received from families who didn’t.

“What is your staff turnover rate?”

Similarly, staff retention speaks to working conditions, leadership quality, and overall camp culture. High turnover can mean:

  • Poor management
  • Inadequate compensation
  • Lack of support for staff
  • Unrealistic expectations

Many camps hire some new staff each year (especially as older staff age out), but the core team should show consistency.

References and Transparency

“Can you provide references from current and past families?”

Any reputable camp should be happy to connect you with other families. When speaking with references, ask about:

  • Their child’s overall experience
  • How the camp handled any challenges that arose
  • Whether they felt communication was adequate
  • What their child gained from the experience
  • Any concerns they had and how they were addressed

“What accreditations do you hold, and can I see recent inspection reports?”

In Canada, look for camps accredited by provincial camping associations or the Canadian Camping Association. These organizations require camps to meet stringent safety, programming, and operational standards.

Red Flags to Watch For

Communication Concerns

Be wary if a camp director:

  • Seems rushed or dismissive of your questions
  • Cannot provide specific answers about safety protocols
  • Becomes defensive when you ask about their policies
  • Pressures you to make an immediate decision
  • Cannot provide recent references

Policy Red Flags

Consider it a warning sign if a camp:

  • Has no written policies on supervision, discipline, or safety
  • Allows staff to be alone with individual children regularly
  • Has unusually high staff turnover (over 50% annually)
  • Cannot clearly explain their emergency procedures
  • Discourages parent communication during camp sessions

Facility and Program Concerns

Pay attention if:

  • Facilities appear poorly maintained during tours
  • Safety equipment looks old or inadequate
  • The director cannot explain their staff hiring process
  • They promise unrealistic outcomes or experiences
  • Activity leaders lack appropriate certifications

Making the Final Decision

Trusting Your Instincts

After gathering all this information, trust your parental instincts. If something feels off, even if you can’t articulate exactly what it is, take time to explore that feeling. Your child’s safety and well-being are worth the extra effort to find the right fit.

Preparing Your Child

Once you’ve chosen a camp, preparation is key to success:

  • Visit the camp together if possible
  • Practice independence skills at home
  • Have honest conversations about expectations and concerns
  • Consider a shorter session for first-time campers
  • Establish communication expectations that work for both you and your child

When Camp Isn’t Right

Remember that not every child is ready for overnight camp at the same age, and that’s perfectly normal. Signs your child might benefit from waiting include:

  • Severe separation anxiety that doesn’t improve with preparation
  • Recent major life changes (divorce, death in family, moving)
  • Strong resistance despite your best efforts to generate enthusiasm
  • Developmental delays that might make the experience overwhelming

Day camps or shorter overnight experiences might be better stepping stones for some children.

Building Confidence in Your Choice

Choosing an overnight camp represents a significant milestone in both your child’s development and your journey as a parent. By asking thoughtful questions and carefully evaluating responses, you’re not being overprotective—you’re being a responsible parent who wants the best for your child.

Remember that thousands of Canadian children have wonderful, transformative experiences at overnight camps every summer. Many form friendships that last for years, develop new skills and confidence, and create memories that become treasured parts of their childhood stories.

The goal isn’t to find a camp with zero risks—that doesn’t exist. Instead, you’re looking for a camp with thoughtful, comprehensive approaches to managing risks while providing rich, meaningful experiences that help your child grow.

Final Thoughts

The conversation with a camp director should leave you feeling informed, confident, and excited about the possibilities ahead for your child. If you finish the call with more concerns than answers, that camp probably isn’t the right fit. But when you find a director who welcomes your questions, provides thoughtful answers, and demonstrates genuine care for children’s well-being, you’ve likely found a place where your child can have the summer adventure of a lifetime.

Trust the process, trust your instincts, and remember that your child’s growing independence—even though it can feel scary—is a wonderful thing to celebrate and support.