PARENTS' GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS

Not a directory""--but almost: profiles of 411/1967 privately-owned summer camps in the New England and Middle Atlantic states based on questionnaires sent to the camp directors. There's a general characterization of each plus information on fees (and extras), number of campers and counselors (and number returning from the previous season), facilities and religious affiliation. The characterization does attempt to distinguish types by obvious (competitive vs. non, general vs. special interest) and not-so-obvious criteria--attitudes on kids and camping. The introductory chapters explore alternatives for your child and offer pointed questions for the first confrontation with the camp director; the Appendix lists state regulations and the Index provides immediate access to general and specific categories (boys', girls', foreign language, sailing, etc.) Much, but not all of this information is in the American Camping Association directories available at a nominal cost; here it is a little more extensive and a little more incisive. You still have to take the directors' word for it, but a veteran camp parent found it obliquely honest and potentially helpful in making the first sort.