Episode 28 - Finding Summer Camps
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In this episode of the Decal Download Podcast, hosts Ray and Scott explore the growing importance of early planning for summer camps in Georgia, emphasizing safety, affordability, and quality. Featuring Sonia Steptoe and Katrina Bernard from DECAL’s Quality Rated Family Support Call Center, the episode highlights key resources like the updated Summer Camp Checklist, available in English and Spanish on the DECAL website, and the 24/7 online child care search tool at qualityrated.org. The hosts stress that families should start searching as early as January, as popular camps fill up quickly. The call center, celebrating its first anniversary on July 1, 2026, offers personalized support via phone (877-ALL-GA-KIDS), email, and live web access, helping families evaluate camp options, understand safety protocols, and identify scholarships or discounts. Personal stories from the guests reveal how summer camps shaped their childhoods, reinforcing the emotional and developmental value of these programs. The episode concludes with a quiz offering prizes from major sponsors, encouraging listeners to engage with DECAL’s mission of equitable access to high-quality early care and education.
Start searching for summer camps in Georgia as early as January—popular programs fill up fast.
Use the free, bilingual Summer Camp Checklist from DECAL to evaluate safety, quality, and affordability.
The Quality Rated Family Support Call Center (877-ALL-GA-KIDS) offers personalized help with camp selection and scholarship inquiries.
Families can search and compare camps 24/7 using the online tool at qualityrated.org.
Ask about hidden costs (e.g., equipment, transportation) and safety protocols like background checks and CPR certification.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to the Decal Download Podcast
Hosts Ray and Scott introduce the Decal Download Podcast, its mission, and platforms where it’s available. They emphasize the importance of early planning for summer camps and introduce the episode’s focus on DECAL’s resources.
The Importance of Early Summer Camp Planning
The hosts stress that March is not too early to begin searching for summer camps, as high-demand programs fill up quickly. They highlight the need for families to start early to avoid missing out on preferred options.
Meet the DECAL Experts: Sonia and Katrina
Sonia Steptoe and Katrina Bernard introduce themselves, sharing their backgrounds and personal memories of summer camps. Their stories emphasize the lasting impact of summer programs on childhood development and joy.
What to Look for in a High-Quality Summer Camp
“Will your child enjoy the camp? See, I said it has to be fun. Before you sign them up.”
Introducing the Summer Camp Checklist and Online Tools
“All families have to do is to go to the website homepage. They'll see a photo of a bunch of cute kids running. The caption on the photo says, Get help finding safe, affordable, and engaging summer camps.”
“Will your child enjoy the camp? See, I said it has to be fun. Before you sign them up.”
“No matter what your job is, even if it's not a pre-K specialist, a CCS consultant, a nutrition person out in the programs, audits and compliance, whatever, find a way to get into the rooms with the kids and see them firsthand because you will be encouraged.”
“You don't have to be limited to the checklist. We provide it as a guide to help you get started, to sort of stimulate your thinking. But go from there and the key is just ask all of those questions beforehand.”
Hosts
Guests
DECAL
organization
Quality Rated Family Support Call Center
organization
Katrina Bernard
person
Sonia Steptoe
person
decal.ga.gov
product
qualityrated.org
product
Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs
person
877-ALL-GA-KIDS
other
DeKalb County
place
Paris Buren
person
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