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- 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 campsince 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.
- 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.
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