While there are many camp programs to choose from, some are much better than others. What should parents look for? Here's a useful checklist to help in your decision.

• How Long have the camps operated? Longevity shows both passion and experience. It also indicates the director and instructors are committed to providing a rewarding learning experience.
• Network with neighbours. In this way you will become aware of the better programs.
• Who is the director? Who is in charge? How much do they care about quality, skills, originality and fun? The person in charge is a key to an excellent program?
• What qualifications do the instructors have? Are they teachers? Do they have coaching certification? If it's a sports camp, is the head instructor a successful and experienced coach? Has the coach achieved awards and championships? A winning coach will, quite simply, have a better blueprint for both mental and physical development.
• A quality camp should be an enjoyable experience with each child coming home excited and happy each day. This is essential for younger campers. Having enthusiastic and energetic instructors will help in this regard. For upper elementary and high school participants, high level skills along with proper practice habits become more of a priority. As a parent, it is important that your child is excited to return the next day.
• Look for a camp experience or program that offers originality or uniqueness. What does it provide to make it special? The original qualities will set it apart and make the program stand above the crowd.
• For sports camps, it is important that assistants and aides are trained. Do they convey the message and skills breakdown of the head instructor? The assistants should be excellent high school or university student athletes.
• Everyone enjoys treats, prizes, certificates and other give-aways. While learning skills is the main objective, on-going motivation helps make a better program.