Camp is more than just a way to spend the summer. It’s where children grow in confidence, build independence, and form lasting friendships. Surrounded by supportive role models, they try new things, discover their strengths, and gain life skills that stay with them long after camp ends.
Camp gives children the freedom to explore who they are. Away from the expectations of school and home, kids can try on new roles, discover hidden talents, and gain confidence by stepping into their full selves.
From learning new sports to sharing a cabin with peers, camp introduces challenges in a supportive environment. These moments of discomfort are often the spark for meaningful growth and resilience.
Most camps are intentionally tech-free, encouraging face-to-face connection. Campers build communication skills through real conversations — at meals, during activities, and while winding down in the bunk.
Camp friendships are different. Kids bond over shared experiences, silly traditions, and everyday adventures. These connections often grow into deep, lasting relationships that stretch far beyond the summer.
Rituals like morning meetings, camp songs, or the end-of-session campfire help campers feel rooted in something bigger. This sense of community creates belonging, comfort, and pride in the camp experience.
Campers can try dozens of new activities in just one day — from archery to cooking to drama. This variety gives kids a chance to discover passions they didn’t even know they had.
Each day at camp is full of small decisions: what to eat, what to wear, when to ask for help. These choices build a child’s confidence in their ability to navigate the world on their own.
Whether it’s passing a swim test, performing on stage, or simply making a new friend, camp is packed with moments that build self-esteem and leave kids feeling proud of what they’ve accomplished.
Campers learn how to cope with disappointment and try again. Whether they’re managing homesickness or working through a challenge at an activity, camp helps kids develop emotional strength and perseverance.
When you’re choosing a camp, your top priority is your child’s safety and well-being. One of the strongest signals of a camp’s commitment to high standards is ACA Accreditation. Camps that are accredited by the American Camp Association voluntarily undergo a rigorous, ongoing review process to ensure they meet nationally recognized standards for quality and safety.
ACA is the only nationwide accrediting organization for all types of organized camps, and accreditation goes far beyond a state’s basic licensing requirements.
Accreditation standards address key areas such as:
Choosing an accredited camp means choosing a camp that takes extra steps to provide a safe, enriching, and well-managed environment for your child.
Search our database of ACA-accredited day and overnight camps by location, session length, activities, and more. We’re here to help you discover a camp that fits your child’s needs and gives you peace of mind.