How to Choose a Camp

There are so many summer camp options to choose from. It’s important to think about what your goals are for the camp experience.  Look into a camp’s philosophy and mission.  Does it match your own family’s values?  Are you looking for your child to build community and gain independence at an overnight camp? Are you a working family looking for a day camp that offers before and after care? Is there a specific “must have” activity or feature you want the camp to have? Create a list of things you would like the camp to have which will ultimately help you narrow down the choices.

Think about who your child really and what their needs are when you are considering summer camp.  Does your child thrive in large groups or do they prefer a small environment?  Does your child have any special considerations?  Does your child enjoy sports or do they prefer theater and art?  You want to be able to properly describe your child to the camp director when researching camps to help you find a camp that your child will thrive at.

The ACA, NY and NJ offers parents and caregivers free, one-on-one advice in finding a camp.  Whether you are looking for a day, overnight, or specialty program, the American Camp Association, NY and NJ can help in your search!

It’s good to talk to friends and neighbors about where their children go to camp and to learn about their child’s camp experience, however, you want to make sure to do your own research when it comes to choosing a camp. While one camp might be a perfect fit for one child, it might not be for another. Each family and child are different, as is each camp, so finding the one that is the best fit for your child may be different than someone else’s choice.

Exploring a camp’s website and social media accounts are a great places to start a search.  See what type of activities are offered, if the session lengths match what you are looking for, what the camp’s philosophy is, and if the camp fits within your family budget.

Whether this is in person or by Zoom, one of the most important parts of your camp research is to talk to the camp director or a member of the leadership team at a camp you are interested in. When you choose a camp, you are forming a partnership with the director/camp leadership, and you want to make sure you feel comfortable with them. Clicking with the camp director and feeling that you can be open and honest with them is imperative when choosing a day or overnight camp.

One of the best ways to get a feel for a camp is to tour a camp in which you are interested. Day camps offer tours all year long and overnight camps tour during the summer into the fall. Touring allows you to see the facilities and ask questions about the camp while in the camp environment. Touring during the summer allows you to see the camp in action, which can give you a good feel about how what the camp is like. It is helpful to have an initial conversation with the camp director before scheduling a tour to be sure the camp is potentially a good fit for your child before traveling to see a camp.

Visiting a camp fair allows families to meet dozens of camp directors all within minutes to find out about various camp options. The fairs are a great opportunity to have discussions with the camp leadership and learn about their program.

Many day and overnight camps offer open houses in the spring and fall so families can have a chance to visit the camp. During the open house, the camp will offer activities and provide families with a chance to walk around the camp. These days are fun ways to visit the camp and allow you to talk to the camp director and leadership team in the camp environment.

When doing your research, ask if a camp is Accredited by the American Camp Association.  Accreditation is a parent’s best evidence of a camp’s commitment to health and safety.  Accreditation goes above and beyond a state’s licensing and signifies to parents the camp’s commitment to providing a safe environment for their child.