1. Is the camp accredited by an overseeing organization or the state in which it’s located?

2. Who is the director? How long has that person been there, and what is his or her philosophy? What are the staff’s qualifications and occupations?

3. How important is competitiveness to the director, staff members, and campers?

4. If the camp is one you can go to year after year, what percent of campers actually return? If it’s low, ask why.

5. Look at the facilities—if not in person, at least through camp literature or a Web site. Check out sleeping arrangements and toilet/shower facilities.

6. Consider the schedule. Is it a back breaker? A snoozer? Is there room for regular old fun? Free time?

7. What about availability of medical staff?

8. Then, of course, there’s the cost.