Picking the right summer camp for your child is more than s’mores and sing-along songs—it’s an important and time-consuming decision. As leaders in the camp industry, we’ve simplified the process for busy parents by compiling these 6 key factors to consider when choosing a summer camp.
1. Day camp or sleepaway camp?
When picking a summer camp, first things first: simplify your options. While there are hundreds of camps out there, you need to decide first and foremost whether you’ll be picking a day camp, an overnight camp, or a combination of both for the summer.
The most important part of this step is involving your child in the decision-making process. Some 7-year-olds are ready for overnight camp while others are not. Of course, parents need to be ready too!
Session length is also a consideration when thinking of sleepaway camps, as some offer 1-week sessions and others offer 2, 3, 4, or 7-week options.
2. Specialized programming or general fun?
Consider your child’s interests: what do they enjoy doing and what new activities would they like to try? Are you hoping for them to enjoy a wide range of experiences? Or, do you want to opt for a specialty camp that focuses on a particular activity or set of skills?
Nowadays, camps offer all sorts of specialized options including horseback riding, circus and performing arts, sports, science and computer-based activities, and more.
3. Philosophy and mission: does it match yours?
Now that you’ve narrowed it down, it’s time to get to know the camp itself. What are you looking for when picking a camp? What should you be looking for? A sure-fire way to check whether a camp is the right fit is to consider your own parenting philosophy and whether the camp’s philosophy matches. What is their view on competition, conflict resolution, and independence? Are they affiliated with a religion?
Another aspect to consider is the children that make up the camp’s community. Would they all be from the same area or does the camp welcome children from out-of-state or other countries?
4. Consider the costs and value
The general rule of thumb is that the earlier you pick a summer camp and sign up, the cheaper it is. Some camps may offer payment plans as well as sibling or multiple week discounts. Check whether tuition is all-inclusive or if there are additional costs for transportation, specialized activities, and out-of-camp trips.
5. Ask questions
All camps should have helpful FAQs on their website. They provide answers to questions you hadn’t even thought to ask when picking a summer camp. The American Camp Association suggests parents ask questions relating to:
- Management and Staffing: What is the Camp Director’s background? How are staff members selected, screened, and trained? What supervision ratio does the camp enforce?
- Accreditation and References: Is the camp accredited by the American Camp Association? Are they willing to provide previous camper families as references? What is their return rate for campers and staff?
- Facilities and Food: How are campers bunked and what are the bathroom facilities like? How does the camp accommodate fussy eaters or food allergies?
- Health and Wellness: How does the camp handle medical issues and manage camper medications? What about special needs? Are there healthcare professionals on-site and where is the closest medical facility? How is homesickness handled? What is the camp’s stance on behavior management?
- Activities and Program Goals: How does the camp assign campers their activities: is it free-choice or do they receive a structured schedule as a group or individuals? Which is better for your child? How does the camp structure free time into a typical day?
- Communication: How can you stay in touch with your child during camp? Does the camp allow electronics or is it technology-free?
6. Pay them a visit
For a nervous camper (or parent!) there is nothing better than visiting the camp to ease any anxieties. Many camps have open house days where first-time camper families can meet staff, see the facilities, and ask questions. Some camps also offer private tours just for you and your family.
At Camp Friendship, you can check out our virtual tour at any time of year and we host Family Camp Weekends to help new camp families adjust to the idea of sleepaway camp!
There’s a camp to suit every child.
Choosing a summer camp takes time to research, but it’s worth it! With over 14 million people attending camps annually in the United States alone, there is certainly something about the experience. We call it the magic of camp!
