Bette Bussel, executive director of the Lexington-based American Camp Association (ACA), New England, offers advice to parents and children interested in enrolling in camp this summer.

With school out and the warm weather beckoning children outdoors, summer time is camp time for many.

Bette Bussel, executive director of the Lexington-based American Camp Association (ACA), New England, says camp is an important experience every child should have.

“If I had my way, every child would be able to go to camp because it can be a life-changing experience,” she said.

Bussel, who has been director of ACA, New England for more than 20 years, said she first went to camp when she was 4 years old and “in essence, I never left.”

Bussel spoke with the Lexington Minuteman to offer her advice to parents and children interested in enrolling in camp this summer.


Why is it important for children to go to camp in the summer?

Camp really helps children develop skills and competencies that will help them become good adults. Camp is a place where kids can stretch their muscles, emotionally and physically, while they are away from their families. Going to camp teaches children critical thinking and there aren’t many places they can do that. Kids lives are so planned but at camp they get to make their own decisions. Camp has a lasting impact on kids.


What are the long-term benefits of summer camp?

Probably some of the most direct outcomes, besides what I’ve already mentioned, kids develop additional social skills, self-respect, character development, and community service. It’s an amazing experience.


How can parents help their child pick the right camp?

One of the really great things we suggest parents do is to start thinking about camp a year before they want to send their child to camp. Involve your child in the process and go to visit the camp to see how the counselors interact with campers and what kinds of activities the camp offers. Today there are so many different kinds of camps. There’s something out there for everyone and doing the research is critical in making the right choice.


Sleep-away camp or day camp?

This really depends on the child and the family. Sometimes it is age-related and some of it is based on the child itself. It’s important to involve your child in the choices and the kinds of activities they like to do. If it’s the right match it can really be a rewarding experience.


How do you recommend dealing with homesickness?

I always remind people that part of this is that homesickness is more often on the parent’s end than the child’s end. Involving the child in the process helps. You want to do things in the year before the child goes to camp. Do they sleep away at a friend’s house? If so, that’s usually a good indicator. Talk about it. Tell them how excited you are that they are going to camp. Pack with them, put their favorite stuffed animal in their pack or a picture of the family, something that makes them feel comfortable. Wanting your child to be comfortable is important. Missing home is usually short-lived, and once they are at camp they are so active.


Are there financial assistance programs for those who may not be able to afford camp?

Most camps offer some kind of financial assistance. It’s better to get ahead of it earlier rather than later and talk to the camp director about it. We have an event called the Camp Champion Celebration and this year Mayor Menino was our honoree because of all he’s done for camps. All of the money raised at the event goes to sending at-risk kids to camp. There’s a whole range of camps for different financial brackets.


What makes New England a good place to go to camp?

New England has a really unique kind of camp world. The first camp was started in Connecticut and camps have been operating for over 100 years, which is really unique to New England because of the history and length of time.