Choosing an overnight summer camp for a child is a lot easier now than it was back in the days when parents only had a brochure to go by. Camp fairs, websites, online videos and even Facebook offer a virtual introduction to most camps long before kids step off the bus for fun and fresh air.

Still, how do you find a camp that will be a good fit in terms of enrichment opportunities, daily activities, and making friends? We asked Maria Schugel of the American Camp Association (ACA) Northland, which represents 80 accredited camps in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, what parents should look for.

Q What's the best way for a parent to find a summer camp for their child?

A On our website, we have a section called "Find A Camp" where we break camps down into several different categories: targeted focus, activity, cultural focus, special needs, cost and more. There truly is a camp out there for everyone.

Q How old should a child be for overnight camp?

A The most meaningful camp experiences start at around age 7. Of course, it really depends on the child. Have they spent the night away from home with friends or relatives? Some kids will be ready for overnight camp a lot sooner than others will. Many camps offer a variety of session lengths, so a first-timer might want to try a shorter session.

Q What happens if the child gets really homesick?

A Parents should contact the camp director before the child leaves for camp and find out how they handle homesickness. Camps will call parents if the child gets sick or injured, but unless the child's trouble adjusting to camp is extreme, they will generally handle it because things do tend to get better. Camps work hard to keep kids so busy they won't really have time to be homesick.

Q Making friends might be a child's biggest source of anxiety. How can parents handle their concerns?

A The majority of kids are in exactly the same boat on that first day. Some come with a friend, but a lot don't. Most camps pair kids up for activities, so they can get to know someone right away. Cabin counselors also help kids connect with one another. Parents can make a big difference if they talk through the child's concerns at home and let them know what they can expect when they get to camp.

Q What's the typical policy regarding cell phones?

A Camps give kids a chance to unplug from the TV, computers, video games and phones -- that's one of the reasons we hear most often from parents about why they send their child to camp. Many camps have policies against cell phone use and require kids to turn them in when they arrive -- this keeps all campers on an equal playing field. The no-phone policy is also a liability issue to prevent cell phones from falling into the lake. Some camps will let kids send an e-mail home to their parents, but many still emphasize traditional letter writing. You don't have to be in front of a computer to talk to Mom and Dad.

Q Have camps changed much in recent years?

A Some activities have changed -- many camps now offer more adventure-oriented options like challenge rope courses and climbing walls -- but there are still typical camp activities like archery, canoeing and horseback riding that just don't get old.

One of the constants about camps is still the friendships. The ACA did a study a few years ago and asked kids what their favorite thing was about going to camp. They responded that they felt good about themselves and tried new things they hadn't done before, but also said making friends and getting to know other kids was the best part.

Julie Pfitzinger is a West St. Paul freelance writer. Got an idea for the Your Family page? E-mail us at tellus@startribune.com with "Your Family" in the subject line.