What Parents Really Want to Know Before Sending Their Kids to Camp

What Parents Really Want to Know Before Sending Their Kids to Camp

Running a camp means managing a lot of moving parts—schedules, staff, meals, activities—but if you ask most parents, their checklist looks a little different. Before they pack the sunscreen and sign the forms, they want reassurance, clarity, and connection.

Here’s what parents really want to know—and how your camp can give them peace of mind from day one.

1. “Will my child be safe and supervised?” 🛡️

This is the top concern. Parents want to know who’s watching their child, how you handle emergencies, and what protocols are in place for health and safety.

What to share:

• Camper-to-staff ratio

• Emergency procedures

• Staff qualifications and background checks

• How medications and allergies are handled

A quick visual safety overview on your website or a parent packet can go a long way.

2. “How will I know how my child is doing?” 📱

Parents don’t want to hover, but they do want to feel connected. Whether it’s a daily check-in or occasional photo updates, a little communication builds big trust.

What to share:

• Your communication policy

• How often they’ll hear from you

• What kind of updates they can expect (photos, messages, attendance, behavior)

Set the expectation upfront so they feel informed—not left in the dark.

3. “What will a typical day look like?” 🕒

Uncertainty breeds anxiety. Parents feel more comfortable when they can visualize the rhythm of their child’s day—especially if it’s their first camp experience.

What to share:

• A sample daily schedule

• Types of activities offered

• Balance of structured time vs. free play

• Screen time policy (if any)

Bonus: Include photos from previous years to paint a clearer picture.

4. “Who do I talk to if I have a concern?” 📞

When something comes up—late pick-up, lost item, nervous child—parents want to know there’s a real person they can reach.

What to share:

• Direct contact info for the camp director or point person

• Hours when communication is available

• Response time expectations

Even a simple “we’re here for you” message reassures families.

5. “Will my child have fun and make friends?” 😄

It may sound obvious, but fun and friendship are what it’s all about. Parents want to know their child will be welcomed, included, and engaged.

What to share:

• How you encourage social inclusion

• Camp traditions or spirit-building activities

• First-day buddy systems or icebreakers

Testimonials from other families can make this even more compelling.

Make it Easy to Say “Yes” 🙌

Parents want information, not overwhelm. Clear, friendly communication helps build confidence in your program—and keeps families coming back.

 LookSee gives camp directors a simple way to keep parents informed with real-time updates, attendance tracking, and easy communication tools. It’s designed for camps like yours to run smoothly—and give parents what they really want: peace of mind.