How to Choose a Camp

Start with your goals. Are you hoping for your child to build confidence, try new things, or simply have fun and make friends? Are you looking for a day or overnight program? Does the camp need to offer before and after care? Make a list of what matters most to your family. It will help narrow the search.

Every child is different. Consider your child’s personality, interests, and any specific needs. Are they drawn to high-energy activities or do they prefer smaller groups? The better you can describe your child to a camp director, the easier it will be to find a good fit.

The American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey offers free, personalized help to families. Whether you’re looking for a traditional, specialty, or short-session camp, we’ll talk through your goals and help point you in the right direction. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Connecting with the director or leadership team gives you a better feel for the camp’s approach and how they partner with families. Many directors are happy to speak by phone, set up a video call, or even schedule a home visit if you’d like to connect more personally. A strong relationship with the camp director helps set the foundation for a great summer.

Visiting a camp, either in person or virtually, gives you a firsthand look at the space, facilities, and feel of the program. Day camps often tour year-round, and overnight camps offer summer and fall visits. Touring helps you ask the right questions and see if the camp feels like a match.

Camp fairs are a great way to meet many camp directors in one place. These events give you the chance to have real conversations and gather materials about different programs. They’re especially helpful if you’re early in your search.

Most camps do a great job showcasing their programs online. Look for details on activities, session lengths, staffing, and philosophy. Photos and videos can help give you a feel for the camp’s personality and whether it matches what you’re looking for.

Friends, neighbors, or co-workers may have great camp suggestions. Hearing about their experiences can be helpful. Just remember that the right camp for one child may not be right for another. Every family is different.

Many camps offer Rookie Days and Open Houses during the year. Rookie Days, hosted in the summer, give future campers the chance to take part in real activities and experience the camp’s energy firsthand. Open Houses, hosted throughout the year, provide families with a guided tour, time to connect with directors and staff, and an opportunity to learn more about the camp’s philosophy and values.

Choosing an ACA Accredited camp gives you peace of mind. Accreditation means the camp meets or exceeds standards in areas like health, safety, staffing, and programming. It’s one of the best ways to know a camp takes its responsibilities seriously.