Best Summer Camps Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions that we have been asked from time to time. The answers include links to pertinent pages on this website.

Q: What is a summer day camp?

A day camp does not keep campers overnight or on weekends. Summer day camps operate during regular business hours and have planned activities for the campers, usually outdoors. Day camps differ from day care in that their focus is on out door activities. Most day camps have indoor facilities for inclement days.

Q: What is a summer residential camp?

A summer residential camp keeps children overnight and on weekends for the duration of their session. The amount of time in a session can vary depending on the camp. Sessions can run 1 week, 2 weeks, a month, or the entire summer. Some residential camps have day camp alternatives, others cater to special needs or interests.

Q: What is an adventure camp?

An adventure or wilderness camp caters to older children, usually ages 13 to 18. Some of the activities may be risky. The purpose is to provide excitement. Some wilderness camps specialize in survival training, others simply provide activities like wind surfing and white water rafting that involve an element of risk and create thrills. This type of camp is best suited to athletic children who enjoy taking a calculated risk. The camps take all reasonable precautions to insure the safety of campers.

Q: Why should I send my child to an academic camp for a vacation?

Academic camps specialize in a particular subject, but do not teach in a traditional classroom. They encourage experimentation and a hands on approach. Instead of just doing math calculations, for instance, math camps create a project for a group of children. The children then have to apply their math and science skills to complete the project. To complete the project they must work as a team. The successful completion of a project brings recognition and a reward instead of a grade. For children who enjoy a particular academic subject academic camps can be a lot of fun.

Q: What activities do traditional summer camps offer?

Traditional camps offer activities like swimming, hiking, arts and crafts and games. If the camp has a religious affiliation, there will usually be daily prayers and possibly bible study. Most traditional summer camps have at least one evening around a campfire with singing and story telling. Traditional summer camps have offered the same activities for several generations.

Q: My child is special needs. Can he go to summer camp?

Yes. There are camps that specialize in special needs children. They tailor their programs to individual children and their abilities. Although these special needs summer camps can be quite expensive, most are non profit and some may offer scholarships or grants.

Q: How much does summer camp cost?

The cost of summer camps varies widely between camps. It depends on the type of program offered, the length of the session, the supplies provided by the camp to the camper, the ratio of counselors to campers and other factors. In order to determine the cost, you will have to check with the camp. Traditional summer camp programs generally are less expensive than sport, academic, art, or special needs camps. Some camps offer scholarships or financial assistance, others are free or inexpensive because they are sponsored by a religious or special interest group.

Q: How do I chose a camp?

Factors to consider when choosing a summer camp for your child are your child’s interests, the cost of the camp, the safety record of the camp and the ratio of counselors to campers. If possible, you should visit the camp before signing your child up for a session. Tour the facilities, talk to the staff, and, most important, check with your child. If you have any questions, contact the camp.