When you drop your kids off for day camp or sleep away camp, you're relinquishing control and responsibility for their well-being to the those who mange and operate the facility. To make sure that your kids not only have a positive and rewarding experience, but are also ensured of being well cared-for and safe, you should always take the time to evaluate the camp and its staff.

Saul Rowen has been the owner and Executive Director of Cali-Camp, a summer day camp in Topanga, California, for the past 44 years. Rowen has served terms as President of both the National and Western Associations of Independent Camps, and has gained respect and honor in the camping business through his leadership on industry committees, as well as his participation in lectures, seminar presentations, and television and radio talk shows. Here he offers advice on how to make sure you're sending your kids to a safe and reputable summer camp:

• Check for ACA membership.
  The American Camping Association has been helping to enhance the quality of camp programs for nearly 100 years. Ask if the camp you choose is a member.
  
• Ask about accreditation.
  According to Rowen, If a camp has earned ACA accreditation, it means that it has met two hundred and fifty standards to make sure that campers are safe.
  
• Check up on the director.
  Don't be afraid to ask questions about the camp director's experience and educational background. Consider a face-to-face meeting to see if you like the director's personality and attitudes.
  
• Look into food and first aid programs.
  Make sure the camp has a nutrition program that meets your child's dietary needs. Also ask about health and first aid facilities and procedures. The camp should have a nurse on duty 24 hours a day.
  
• Visit the camp.
  Visit your child's day camp to check things out with your own eyes. Sleep away camps will often have an open house during the summer, and this is your chance to make sure the camp is clean, well run, and a safe place to leave your child.

For more information about summer camp, check out the following organizations or websites:

Cali-Camp
www.calicamp.com

Camp Page
camppage.com

American Camping Association
www.aca-camps.org

International Camping Fellowship
www.campingfellowship.org

Summercamps.com
www.summercamps.com

Camp Channel
www.campchannel.com