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Whether their children want to learn to dance or hunt for tadpoles, parents could have a tough time picking the best summer camp programs this season. ‘"‘Find out about staff qualifications, how many children attend, age groups, when the kids go to bed and ask what kind of medical superâ€" vision is provided,"" says Skip Connet, spokesman for the Onâ€" tario Camping Association. "‘If the director doesn‘t want to answer your questions, go elsewhere." About 400 organizations are expected to run_ children‘s camps in Ontario this summer. Many will operate as day camps, offering everything from specialized arts, crafts or music programs to horseback riding and wilderness treks. Residence camps also run a wide range of activities, while providing children with the chance to spend some time away from home, sleeping in cabins or tents. According to the ministry‘s consumer advisors, in depth inâ€" terviews with camp directors should give parents most of the information they need to make a choice. Industry members agree it‘s vital to ask lots of questions. The number of councillors on staff is particularly imporâ€" tant, especially for safety reasons, says Jim Bonk of the YMCA. Most daytime programs operate well with one counâ€" cillor for every 10 youngsters, although really young children should have more supervision, says Bonk. Parents should also be sure they know what their children expect from summer camp. Does Billy really want to spend three weeks at art camp or will he be bored after three days? ‘"‘What often happens is that parents will send little Suzie off to a particular camp just because a friend is going,"‘ Connett says. "Certainly, if the friend has attended before, you‘ll have some idea if it‘s a good camp or not. But, unforâ€" tunately, just because the proâ€" gram is right for the friend, doesn‘t mean it‘s right for Suzie." The array of options available can confuse parents seeking the best programs for their youngsters. It‘s important to inâ€" vestigate camps carefully to be sure they will povide proper care, interesting activities and good overall value, say representatives of the Ontario Ministry of Consumer. and Commercial Relations. If in doubt about the kind of program that will appeal to your child, a general activity camp may offer the best soluâ€" tion. Specialty camps offering inâ€" Investigate camps . e a Scouting for a summer camp Safety Regardless: of the type of camp involved, find out if transportation is provided by the operator. Are the costs for busing included in the overall fee? Costs for certain special acâ€" tivities or excursions may be extra. To avoid unpleasant surâ€" prises, be sure you‘ve added up all the fees and costs before registering. tensive programs in such areas _ small as possible. as sports, arts, music or dance Even when the final choice became popular a few years _ has been made and hours have ago. But, according to Connett, _ been spent sewing name tags the traditional, ‘"allâ€"activity‘ _ on every one of the child‘s camps are still in the majority. _ socks, some parents still worry, Location is another important â€" Connett says. Many claim they consideration when choosing a _ are concerned about their program. Make sure day camps â€" children getting homeâ€"sick, he are fairly close to the child‘s _ says. Location is another important consideration when choosing a program. Make sure day camps are fairly close to the child‘s home to avoid lengthy bus trips. â€" Deposits are usually â€"reâ€" quired, but they may be fully or partially refundable within a specific time period and under certain conditions. Check details about refunds before signing up and keep deposits as The Top Guns are lookin qug& for you If you‘re like most people you‘ll be doing a lot more travelling this time of year. So for peace of mind while driving this summer why not take advantage of our free brake inspection; and while you‘re here we‘ll inspect your exhaust system, suspenâ€" sion and front end parts too, all at no charge. If any repairs are required we will give you a free estimate with no obligation. Ohâ€"by the wayâ€"for your riding comfort we are offering our top of the line gas chargâ€" ed shocks from as low as $72.95 a pair installed. Hope to see you soon. Extra costs 1716 Weston Rd. ‘‘The funny thing is, the child is usually quite ready to stay away from home, but the parents aren‘t.‘"‘ The Ontario Camping Association runs an accreditaâ€" tion program for children‘s summer camps in Ontario. Camps that wish to be acâ€" credited by the association must meet certain health and safety standards. They must also have been in operation for at least one year and are reâ€" quired to provide banking references to the OCA. More than 200 Ontario summer camps are now accredited. To obtain a list or for more inforâ€" mation about the association, call 781â€"0525 Health standards (ACROSS FROM BEAVER LUMBER) With hundreds of summer camps operating in Ontario, parents can be confused about how to pick the best program for their children. According to consumer experts and members of the inâ€" dustry, the key is to ask a lot of questions before signing a registration form. Check on everything from the quality of food and facilities to the overall safety of the camp. Page 17 The Link June/1986 THE TOP GUNS 245â€"47 7 4