8 Tips From Camp Professionals & AN Experienced Parent BY Marguerite Paolino Deciding where to send your child to camp requires research and planning. Here is some advice from camp professionals - and an experienced parent - on what to think about as you go through the process: • Go by word-of-mouth. "Find out where your family members, neighbors, friends send their children - people who have firsthand experience with the camp," said Mike Quinn of YMCA Camp Lowe in Lancaster. "But you don't want to send your child to a camp sight unseen." Go on a tour, meet the director, go to the open houses, and ask questions. • Compare camps in an organized way. "Make a list of all the things you want to know and ask it of all the camp directors," said Bette Bussel, executive director of the American Camp Association of New England. " • Look at the camp's credentials. All camps must be licensed by the state Board of Health, said Steve LaFountain, director of 4-H Camp Middlesex, but accreditation through the American Camp Association is optional. "It is one extra step that some camps volunteer to meet to ensure that they are meeting standards that are above and beyond the state requirements," he said. • Is your camper ready to sleep away from home for several days or weeks? Mary Strom, manager of outdoor services for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts/ Central Section, recommends campers try day camp for their first session. Many of the Girl Scout programs offer an optional trial overnight during each session to help campers get used to the idea. • Who is running the camp? "Parents should be concerned with programming, safety, supervision and experience in directing camps," said Edward Reilly, athletic director at Worcester Academy. • Visit the camp while it's in session. "You have to go see it in action," said Ashland mom and former camper Davida Dinerman. "There's a gut feeling you get when you go there. It's like choosing day care." • Talk to campers at the camp, not just the staff. "Are the kids friendly or are they sassy?" Dinerman added. • Ask about financial aid as far in advance as possible. "There's never any harm in asking the director, 'Do you offer financial assistance?' Both day and residence camps can be affordable to any family. It's a question of finding the right match."