If you’re sending your child to summer camp for the first time, a little bit of pre-booking homework goes a long way. We asked the MyKidsTime team of parents what they always check before signing up — and pulled together the key questions worth asking any summer camp provider before you book.
Quick jump to a question:
1. Do they have a child protection policy?
2. What time is pick-up?
3. Do they need to bring food and drink?
4. Is a change of clothes needed?
5. Do you need to give consent for outings?
6. Is there a sweet shop onsite?
7. How is lost property handled?
8. How are kids released at the end of camp?
9. Where do you collect your child from?
10. What’s the age spread, and how are younger kids looked after?
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1. Do They Have a Child Protection Policy?
Every parent on our team agreed this is the first thing to check: does the camp provider have a child protection policy and insurance cover in place? Any organisation working with children and young people in Ireland should have safeguarding measures in place, both to protect children and to support staff.
It’s also worth asking about their policy on photography, video and mobile phone use during camp. Good camps offer a consent form up front, so you can decide whether you’re happy for your child to appear in photos or videos used for promotion, or shared by other parents on social media.
One more tip: ask what the adult-to-child ratio is. As a general guide, 1 adult to every 8 children is a reasonable ratio to look for.
2. Check What Time Pick-Up Is
Ask whether after-camp care is available if you’re working and can’t get there right on time, and what the policy is if you’re running a little late. Some camps can flex around this; others can’t — so it’s worth knowing before the first day, not on it.
3. Do They Need to Bring Refreshments and Food?
Always check whether your child needs to bring their own lunch, snacks and drinks. Camps rarely provide lunch, so it helps to know exactly what to pack.
If it’s an active, outdoor or sports camp, send extra water and something energy-giving like a banana to help keep them going through the day.
You may also enjoy reading: Top tips for healthy lunch box ideas and How to read nutrition labels
4. Is a Change of Clothes Necessary?
Check if your child needs to bring a change of clothes, swimming togs or a towel, and whether there are changing facilities and secure storage on site for watches, jewellery and belongings.
A handy tip from one of our parents: tuck a plastic bag into their bag to hold anything wet afterwards.
If it’s a multi-activity camp, ask if there’s a messy or paint-based activity planned on a particular day, so you know when to send them in old clothes.
5. Do You Need to Give Consent for Outings?
Ask whether the camp plans any outings during the week and, if so, what arrangements are in place for transport and parental consent. It’s also worth double-checking that the group will return to the main camp location for pickup.
6. Is There a Sweet Shop Onsite?
One MyKidsTime parent discovered her boys had been raiding their money boxes to buy treats from an onsite sweet shop during lunch breaks — worth knowing about in advance if you’d rather send in pocket money limits, or none at all.
7. Check How Lost Property Is Handled
After losing jumpers, jackets and even a pair of trousers across several summer camps with her three boys, one of our parents always asks where lost property can be claimed after camp, and for how long it stays available. Chasing missing items weeks later isn’t much fun for anyone.
8. Ask How Kids Are Released at the End of Camp
Especially with younger children, ask how they’re released to you at pickup time. Younger kids shouldn’t be left wandering around looking for a parent — there should be some kind of sign-out system, or a check to confirm a parent or guardian is there to collect them.
9. Find Out Where to Collect Your Child From
Ask exactly where in the venue the camp finishes each day, so you know where to head at pickup time. If it’s a multi-activity camp that includes swimming, for example, check whether you collect from the changing rooms or poolside, and whether you’re expected to arrive a little early to help your child dry off and get dressed.
10. Check the Age Spread of the Camp and How Younger Kids Are Looked After
It’s worth asking about the age range of children attending. Younger children are sometimes grouped in with older kids on quieter days, and while older children are often kind and helpful, it’s good to know the setup in advance rather than be surprised at pickup.
If your child is on the younger side, it’s also worth asking whether there’s help available for things like getting changed or doing up shoes.
A Final Tip for Parents of Younger Kids
If your child isn’t sure about camp after day one, it’s often worth encouraging them to try one more day. The first day can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s their first time at camp — many children settle in and start enjoying themselves once they’ve found their feet with the group.
Do you have any top tips for summer camps? Share them in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most important thing to ask before booking a summer camp?
Start with child protection and safety: ask about the camp’s child protection policy, insurance, and the adult-to-child ratio. From there, work through practical details like food, pickup arrangements and what to pack.
What is a good adult-to-child ratio for a summer camp?
A commonly used guide is around 1 adult to every 8 children, though this can vary depending on the age group and type of activity. It’s worth asking the provider directly what ratio they work to.
Do I need to send in food for summer camp?
Most camps don’t provide lunch, so check in advance what you need to pack. For active or outdoor camps, it’s a good idea to include extra water and an energy-boosting snack.
What should I pack for my child’s first day at camp?
Alongside lunch and snacks, pack a change of clothes or swimwear if relevant, a towel, and a spare plastic bag for anything wet. Label belongings clearly, as items can go missing during busy camp days.
How do I know where to collect my child from at the end of camp?
Ask the camp provider directly where pickup happens, especially if the camp includes activities like swimming that take place in a different area of the venue.
Related Reading
If you found this useful, you might also like our tips on healthy lunchbox ideas and how to read nutrition labels — handy if you’re packing food for camp days. Browse our adventure section for more ways to plan a fun-filled summer with the kids.
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