Summer Camps for Kids: A Parent's Guide to Planning

Planning your child’s summer camp adventure can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many options (day camps, overnight camps, specialty programs), it’s hard to know where to start. But with a little planning, you can find a camp that fits your child’s age, interests, and comfort level.

Types of Summer Camps

Day Camps: These camps run during the day, with kids returning home in the late afternoon. They’re great for younger children (often ages 5–6 and up) or those not ready for overnight stays. Activities vary – from outdoor sports and swimming to arts and crafts – so you can likely find a day camp that matches your child’s interests.
Sleepaway Camps (Overnight Camps): At sleepaway camp, kids stay overnight for a set period (anything from a long weekend to several weeks). These camps foster independence and deep friendships as campers live together day and night. There’s no strict rule for the “right” age to start overnight camp, but many kids are ready by around 7–9 years old. Consider your child’s comfort with being away from home – if they’ve enjoyed sleepovers and seem excited about bunking with friends, they might thrive at sleepaway camp. Overnight camps often offer a wide range of activities (swimming, hiking, crafts, campfires) for a classic summer camp experience.
Specialty Camps: These focus on a specific theme or skill area. There are STEM camps for science lovers, arts camps for creative kids (music, theater, painting), sports camps for athletes, and so on. Specialty camps can be day or overnight programs, but will concentrate on their theme. If your child has a particular passion – say coding, soccer, or drama – a specialty camp lets them dive into that interest. If they prefer a bit of everything, a traditional camp might be a better fit. Many specialty camps still include general camp fun, but the emphasis is on the core activity.

Note: If your child has special needs or health considerations, look for camps that can accommodate them. Many camps are inclusive or even designed for particular needs – ask the camp director about their experience and facilities.

Choosing the Right Camp for Your Child

When figuring out how to choose a summer camp for your kids, consider:

Age & Readiness: Younger kids (under 7) typically do best with day camps to start. By around 7–8, many are ready for a short overnight camp – especially if they’ve had good experiences staying at relatives’ or friends’ without you. Gauge how your child handles being away from home to decide if they’re ready for sleepaway camp.
Interests & Personality: Match the camp focus to your child’s interests. Sports, science, art, nature – there’s a camp for each. If your child likes a bit of everything, a traditional camp with varied activities is ideal. Also factor in personality: would they prefer a big, bustling camp or a smaller, more intimate one? Sometimes attending with a buddy can help a hesitant camper feel more comfortable.
Camp Quality & Safety: Look for signs of a well-run camp. Is it ACA-accredited (meeting industry standards)? What’s the camper-to-counselor ratio, and how are staff trained? Ensure they have good safety and health protocols in place (like lifeguards for swimming, a nurse on staff, and handling of allergies/medications). Knowing the camp is prepared will give you peace of mind.
Child Involvement: Involve your child in choosing the camp. Show them pictures or videos of the options and see which one excites them. If they help pick the camp, they’ll feel more ownership and less anxiety about going!

The best camp is one where your child will be safe, engaged in activities they enjoy, and comfortable enough to have fun (while also gaining some independence).

Registration Timeline and Sign-Up Process

Start early. Many camps start taking registrations in winter (January or February) and can fill up quickly. Once you’ve picked a camp, find out when sign-up opens and mark it on your calendar. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Registration Day: If the camp has a specific registration launch day/time, plan to register as soon as it opens to secure your spot (especially for high-demand camps). Some camps offer early-bird pricing for signing up early, which can save you money.
Forms & Payments: Be prepared to fill out paperwork about your child (contact info, medical history, etc.) and possibly upload a recent doctor’s physical or immunization record. Most camps require a deposit to hold the spot, with the balance due later. Note the payment deadlines to avoid losing your reservation.
Waitlists & Confirmation: If you end up on a waitlist, don’t despair – spots can open up as summer approaches. It’s also wise to have a backup camp option in case. Once you’re registered, the camp will send you a confirmation and usually a packet or email with next steps (like additional forms, packing lists, and schedules). Read all materials carefully so you and your child know what to expect.

Budgeting for Camp and Understanding Fees

Camp costs can range from quite affordable to pretty expensive, so it’s important to budget ahead. Keep these tips in mind:

Camp Fees: Find out the price per session and what it includes. A local day camp might charge a few hundred dollars for a week, whereas a sleepaway camp could be much more (ACA camps range from under $100 to over $1,500 per week). Ask if the fee covers meals, snacks, field trip transportation, or any extras.
Extra Costs: Account for things like required gear (for example, sports equipment or hiking boots), a camp T-shirt or uniform (if needed), and pocket money if the camp has a store or snack bar. Also consider transportation costs if the camp is far away (gas, or a flight for an out-of-state camp).
Discounts & Aid: Many camps offer early registration discounts, sibling discounts, or scholarships. If you register early, you might get a better rate, and if you have multiple kids going, ask about family pricing. If the cost is a barrier, ask the camp about financial aid or “camperships” – many have some funds to assist families. It’s also worth checking with community organizations for grants or assistance.
Tax Credit: In the U.S., if your child is under 13 and attends a day camp so you can work or go to school, those expenses may count toward the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. (Overnight camp doesn’t qualify.) Save your receipts if this applies to you.

Summer Camp Packing Checklist

Use your camp’s packing list as a guide (they’ll list exactly what to bring). Here are the basic things to pack:

Day Camp:

Lunch & Water: If the camp doesn’t provide food, pack a lunch (and maybe a snack) and include a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated

Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen in the morning and send extra along, and include a hat for shade. Use insect repellent if the camp is in a buggy area.

Clothes: Dress your child in comfortable play clothes and sneakers. If swimming or water play is on the schedule, add a swimsuit and towel. For younger kids, pack a spare outfit.

Overnight Camp:

Clothing & Bedding: Pack enough clothes for the whole session (T-shirts, shorts, a couple of long pants, pajamas, underwear, socks). Include a warm layer (hoodie or jacket) and a raincoat, plus sturdy shoes for activities (already broken in) and flip-flops for the shower. Send bedding too: either a sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket, and a pillow. Don’t forget a towel for showers (and maybe an extra for swimming).

Toiletries: All the basics like toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, comb/brush, etc. Pack sunscreen and bug spray as well. A small shower caddy or zip bag can help keep these together.

Gear: A flashlight (with fresh batteries) for nighttime, a reusable water bottle, and any special gear needed (like a baseball glove for a sports camp). It’s also nice to pack a book or journal for quiet time. Label your child’s name on important items (clothes, water bottle, flashlight) to prevent mix-ups.

Medications: If your child takes any medicine, provide it to the camp in the original prescription bottle with instructions. Usually, the camp health staff will hold and dispense meds as needed.

First-Time Summer Camp Tips: Preparing Your Child

Sending your child to camp for the first time can cause butterflies for both them and you! Here’s how to set up first-timers for success and handle nerves:

Set Expectations Early: Talk about what camp will be like beforehand. Go over the kinds of activities they’ll do and what a typical day might look like. Keep it positive – focus on fun – but also let them know it’s okay to feel a little nervous or miss home. Your confidence will rub off on them, so when it’s time to drop them off, stay upbeat and reassure them they’ll do great.
Practice Independence: Encourage some “practice runs” of independence before camp. For example, have your child sleep over at a grandparent’s or friend’s house to get used to being away. Teach or review simple self-care tasks they’ll need at camp (like keeping track of their stuff or washing up on their own). Let them help pack their bag, so they know where everything is and feel in control.
Plan How to Stay in Touch: Discuss how you’ll communicate during camp. If it’s an overnight camp, explain that phone calls probably won’t be possible (most camps don’t allow them). Instead, you’ll write letters or emails, and they can write back. You might tuck a little surprise note into their bag or send a letter that arrives early in the session, to let them know you’re thinking of them and proud of them.
Normalize Homesickness: Tell your child it’s totally normal to miss home a bit at first – many campers do. Encourage them to talk to their counselor if they feel sad; counselors know lots of ways to help kids feel better. Maybe come up with a coping idea together, like picturing something fun (say, the campfire sing-along) when they feel blue. Remind them that the nervous or lonely feelings usually fade as they get busy and make friends. And let them know you’ll be so excited to hear about everything they did when they get home!

With these preparations, your first-time camper will feel more confident heading into camp. The first few days might be an adjustment, but before you know it, they’ll be coming home bursting with stories and pride in themselves.

Communication While Your Child Is at Camp

While your child is off at camp, support them by giving them space. Follow the camp’s rules for contact – if phone calls aren’t allowed, don’t push it (constant contact can actually make homesickness worse). Instead, send upbeat letters or emails and assume no news is good news. Trust the camp to reach out if anything needs your attention. And when your camper comes home, celebrate their stories and newfound independence!

While camp can be a new experience for both you and your kids, embracing this new step and preparing ahead of time will help ensure it’s a positive experience they want to repeat for years to come!