Choosing a Summer Camp

April 10, 2023
ComPsych Guidance Resources
Group of kids with backpack makes a race

Summer camp can provide a fun, friendly environment for your child during the summertime school break. A good camp program features plenty of exciting and creative indoor and outdoor activities that kids can enjoy. While your child is busy building social skills, making new friends, playing games and going on fun field trips, you will be comforted knowing that they are in the hands of quality caregivers.

Many options exist. Take time to search for the right summer camp, and you will have done your best to assure a good experience for you and your child.

Summer Camp Options

Camps generally fall within two main categories: daytime-only camps and overnight camps. Day camps are, as the name implies, camps that your child can attend during the daytime, usually only on weekdays (either full or half days) over the course of several weeks.

Conversely, children attend overnight camp, typically held at a camp complex or resort, for as little as a few days or as long as several months. Child experts warn, however, that children under age 10 usually are not mature enough to adjust to overnight camps and can become homesick easily.

There are also two types of camps within these categories: private and public.
Private summer camps are typically offered by private organizations, such as daycare centers, churches, private or parochial schools, clubs, or even companies. Examples of private summer camps include:

  • Vacation Bible School (also called "Bible camp")
  • Boy or Girl Scout summer camps
  • Nature camps (e.g., camps that include camping, hiking, fishing, bird watching, etc.) Special-interest camps (e.g., science camps, art camps, sports camps)

Public summer camps, which can be less expensive, are usually provided by public community groups and non-profit organizations like the YMCA/YWCA or are sponsored by your city or town. Examples of public summer camps include:

  • Day camps sponsored by community park districts or public schools
  • YMCA swim or sports camps

An alternative to summer camp that can stimulate your child's learning and provide you with quality child care while you are at work is summer school. Many summer classes for children are offered through local public schools or nearby colleges. This can be an excellent option for a bright child who has become bored with the usual school curriculum.

Summer classes can also be a solution for a child who needs remedial instruction in reading or math or who has fallen behind their grade level in a particular subject. Parents may hesitate to send a child to summer school because they are worried that their child will feel like it is a punishment. Consider, however, that handling only one or two classes at this time can encourage your child to learn in this less demanding, more relaxed atmosphere.

Reasons to Attend Summer Camp

As a parent, you may think that summer camp will be a good experience, but your child might need some convincing. Here are a few ways to boost your child's enthusiasm:

  • Tell your child it is a great way to make new friends. Perhaps your child's friends may also attend the same camp.
  • If the camp features arts and crafts activities, get your child excited about these projects.
  • Describe how a completely different and exciting environment will open your child's eyes to the world. The summer camp may, for instance, take your city-dwelling child horseback riding for the first time.
  • If it is a nature-oriented or outdoor activity camp, stress the fun of exploring and adventuring in nature.
  • If you attended a summer camp as a child, relate your positive memories. Tell of the fun new songs and campfire stories you learned at camp.

The time your child spends at summer camp can create exciting memories that last a lifetime. When choosing a camp, be sure to carefully weigh costs and your child's best interests. Build their enthusiasm about attending the camp by talking about all of the games and activities in which they can participate. Assure your child that it will be a lot more fun than staying home all summer. Tell your child that if they really enjoy it, perhaps they can return to camp next summer, too.

Questions to Ask

When choosing a summer camp, you must consider not only the cost but also your child's best interests. Before registering your child, investigate the program. Try to visit the facility sponsoring the camp with your child, or at least talk on the phone with the camp supervisor. Consider asking these questions:

  1. What is the camp arrangement: daytime or overnight?
  2. How long is the program? What are the days and hours?
  3. What are the fees? Payment options?
  4. What activities, games and sports will my child be participating in?
  5. Exactly where will my child be traveling and visiting with the camp?
  6. What is the ratio between structured and unstructured time in the daily camp program?
  7. What are the ages of the children enrolled? 
  8. What is the ratio of camp staffers to children? Ideally, there should be one staffer for every six to 10 children.
  9. Who will be instructing or supervising my child? What are the staffer's background and credentials? How are staffers screened and evaluated in the hiring process?
  10. What is my child allowed to bring and not bring to camp? Is food provided?
  11. What percentage of campers return the following year? What percentage of counselors were previously campers at your camp?
  12. What are the camp's policies on discipline or behavioral problems?
  13. What happens in the event of an accident, injury or emergency? What safety, first-aid and fire-prevention measures do you practice? Is a nurse or other health practitioner on staff? Is a physician available for emergencies?
  14. What is the mode of transportation used by the camp? Is it in a safe condition?
  15. Are the facilities clean and large enough for the activities being promoted?
  16. Is the equipment in good condition, supervised under use and suitable for my child's age group?

Personalized Assistance

Your child’s needs are unique. Call 877-327-2362 (TTY: 800-697-0353) and let ComPsych assist with finding a summer camp to meet your child’s specific criteria.

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©2023 ComPsych ® Corporation. All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only. It is always important to consult with the appropriate professional on financial, medical, legal, behavioral or other issues. As you read this information, it is your responsibility to make sure that the facts and ideas apply to your situation.