Pompositticut Farm Day Camp - Top 10 Points to Consider in Choosing A Camp

What is the educational and career background of the camp director?
Look for a college degree and camp administration experience. PFDC's owner is still acting director and has operated the camp since 1980. Jackie Kane is a graduate of Boston College and attends annual professional seminars for camp directors. She is a certified EMT and is active in planning and development of all the activities at PFDC.
What is the camp's philosophy?
Make sure it compliments your parenting philosophy. Consider your child's personality and learning style as well. A phone conversation with the director will help you get a feel for the philosophy. Any camp director should make the time to talk with you personally.
What are the safety and medical accomodations at the camp?
Accreditation is a commitment to safety and health issues. PFDC was nationally accredited in 1998 by the ACA and has always maintained the highest safety standards: The longest consecutive recipient of the Safety First Recognition and consecutive winner of the MA Farm Bureau's, Horse Farm of Distinction. Local police and fire depts will be able to give you the best reference for the safety of a camp. Also all camps are licensed through the local boards of health. The town office will be able to answer your questions on the camp's compliance with the new laws.
What is the ratio of staff to campers?
ACA standards require different ratios for different ages. Depending on the age of campers the state requires one staff member to every seven to eight campers. Pompositticut's ratio is 3 to 1. Specialized activities such as horseback riding and adventure ropes course provide a 1 to 1 ratio for all campers.
What percentage of campers and staff returned from last year?
Look for 40-60% returning staff. If the camp's rate is lower, ask why? At Pompositticut at least 90% of our registrations are returning campers while the staff maintained a 75% return rate last year.
How do they handle camper adjustment issues and behavioral problems?
ACA accreditation is a commitment to staff training and child development issues. Positive reinforcement, assertive role-modeling and a sense of fair play are regarded as key components of our staff's interactions with campers. Because of our high staff to camper ratio, constant attention is provided, therefore preventing many behavorial issues from occurring.
What does your camp tuition cover and is there any extra expenses for specialized activities?
Pompositticut's tuition covers all costs. Thre are no hidden charges for horseback riding or other individualized activities.
If your child has special needs can the camp accomodate them?
Ask the director about provisions and facilities. Remember to explain all special requirements throughly.

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Ask if you can visit the camp before enrolling your child.
PFDC encourages parents to view the camp during the summer months when the camp is in session. We feel you can better understand the atmosphere of PFDC by being here with all the campers and see first-hand how they interact with the staff and how much fun they're having at the activities. Most people are amazed there are 108 children here per session, as they can hardly be seen or heard, thanks to the expanse of the grounds!! We can also schedule a tour during the off-months but we ask that you realize the activities are dismantled and most of the camp buildings store both camp and farm equipment, etc. Please call the office at 978-562-0968 to arrange an appointment. We look forward to meeting parents and campers alike!
Ask for the names of camper families to contact for their impressions of the camp.
Pompositticut will be glad to provide you with names of previous campers and/or staff (per their approval), to verify the effectiveness of our successful camp.

PFDC complies with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the local board of health.

25 Lewis Street • Hudson, MA 01749
Phone: 978-562-0968 • 978-562-CAMP (2267) • Fax: 978-568-8831
Email: mail@pompositticutfarm.com

Accredited members of the American Camp Association, the Association of Independent Camps,
and the Massachussetts Camping Association