Sample questionnaire:

• What activities does your child enjoy most in their free time? (e.g., sports, arts, nature, technology)
• Is your child more interested in a specific type of activity, like outdoor adventures, creative arts, or science experiments?
• Does your child have a particular hobby or passion that they’d like to explore further at camp?
• Are there any skills or activities you'd like your child to develop during the camp experience?

• How would you describe your child’s personality? (e.g., outgoing, shy, independent, team-oriented)
• Does your child prefer structured activities or more free-form play?
• Is your child generally comfortable in social situations, or do they need support with making new friends?
• Does your child thrive in a busy, active environment or do they do better in a more quiet, relaxed setting?

• Does your child enjoy being around other kids, or do they tend to prefer one-on-one time or smaller groups?
• How does your child typically interact with peers? Are they more competitive, collaborative, or independent?
• Does your child struggle with making friends, or do they find it easy to form connections with others?
• Is your child looking for a camp where they can meet new friends, or do they prefer to be with familiar faces?

• Are you looking for a traditional day camp with a mix of activities, or would your child enjoy a more specialized camp (e.g., sports, performing arts, STEM)?
• Would your child enjoy a camp that focuses on outdoor adventure, or do they prefer more structured indoor activities?
• Does your child have a preference for day camps or would they be open to a sleepaway/overnight camp experience?
• Are you interested in a camp that includes field trips, special events, or guest speakers?

• Does your child handle transitions and new experiences well, or do they require more time to adjust?
• Has your child been to any camps before? How did they react to the experience?
• Is your child more self-reliant, or would they need extra support in terms of guidance and reassurance?

• Does your child have any dietary restrictions, allergies, or health conditions that the camp should be aware of?
• Does your child have any physical or emotional challenges that the camp program should accommodate?
• Are there any specific medical or physical needs that should be considered when selecting a camp?
• Does your child need any particular accommodations to participate fully in activities (e.g., mobility aids, sensory accommodations)?

• What are you hoping your child will gain from the camp experience? (e.g., confidence, social skills, new hobbies, physical fitness)
• Is there a particular life skill or personal development area you'd like the camp to focus on (e.g., leadership, teamwork, resilience)?
• Are you hoping to find a camp that emphasizes certain values, like environmental awareness, community service, or creativity?
• Do you want a camp experience that challenges your child to try new things, or one that builds on their existing strengths and interests?

• What is your preferred camp schedule (e.g., full-day, half-day, week-long sessions, or multiple weeks)?
• Are there any specific start or end dates that work best for your family’s summer plans?
• How far are you willing to travel for the camp, and does it need to be local or can it be further away?
• Do you need transportation options, or will you be responsible for drop-off and pick-up?
• Where do you live and how far are you willing to drive for your child's camp?

• Are there any particular philosophies or teaching methods you want the camp to follow? (e.g., a focus on nature-based learning, inquiry-based education, or a non-competitive environment)
• Do you prefer a camp with a specific type of leadership (e.g., a camp with a focus on inclusivity, social-emotional learning, or academic enrichment)?
• What kind of camp culture are you looking for? (e.g., a highly structured program or a more flexible, exploratory environment)

• Has your child attended camp before? If so, what was their experience like?
• What did your child enjoy most about previous camps, and what would they have preferred to be different?
• Are there specific aspects of a camp that your child did or did not enjoy in the past? (e.g., specific activities, group sizes, time spent outdoors)

These questions will help parents reflect on their child's unique personality, interests, and needs, while also considering what goals they want to achieve from the camp experience. Understanding these factors will guide the process of selecting the right type of camp that will provide a fun, enriching, and growth-oriented experience for their child. By asking the right questions, parents can feel confident in making a choice that aligns with both their child's development and their family’s needs.