Key Takeaways
- Winter is the best time to plan and register for summer camps at the lowest prices.
- There are three main types of camps: Sleepaway Camps, Specialty Camps, and Day Camps.
- Consider your child’s interests, your childcare needs, and your budget.
- Summer camp directories are a starting point for research.
When to Start Thinking About Summer
Winter is the best time to start planning for summer. Once the holiday rush fades, there’s a brief lull before spring break and the end of the school-year chaos. Many camps offer their best discounts and promotions during this time to encourage early registration. Taking advantage of these deals can lead to significant savings–especially since summer childcare and enrichment activities can add up quickly!
What to Consider When Choosing a Camp
Before diving into camp options, ask yourself these key questions:
- Location: How far am I comfortable with my child being from home?
- Cost: What is my total budget?
- Desired Experience: What are my child’s passions and interests?
Not all camps are created equal. Research is crucial to ensure you find the best fit for your child. To help, we’ve broken down the three main types of summer camps.
Types of Summer Camps
Summer camps come in many forms but generally fall into three main categories.
Sleepaway Camps
Sleepaway camps are the classic summer camp experience—think of The Parent Trap movie. Kids stay overnight for a week or more, often in another state, and participate in a structured program filled with activities like hiking, swimming, team sports, and arts and crafts.
These camps emphasize independence, as counselors supervise cabins and oversee daily schedules. Many feature premium amenities like private lakes, rope courses, and even on-site water parks. With these top-tier experiences comes a hefty price tag, but for some families, the lifelong memories make it worthwhile.
Specialty Camps
Specialty camps focus on a specific interest or skill, such as:
- Sports (soccer, basketball, gymnastics)
- Arts (music, theater, dance, painting)
- STEM (robotics, coding, engineering)
- Outdoor skills (survival training, fishing, equestrian)
These camps typically last a week, but some run for just a few days or extend for multiple weeks. Whether it’s a professional sports team offering a training camp or a local pottery studio hosting an art workshop, specialty camps provide targeted learning and expert instruction without the overnight stays. While they tend to be more affordable than sleepaway camps, they can still be pricey, given the specialized training involved.
Day Camps
Day camps are a well-rounded option for families needing flexible summer care. These camps offer a mix of activities—sports, water play, crafts, and outdoor activities—without focusing on just one skill.
Key features of day camps:
- Significantly more affordable than sleepaway camps
- Local (drop-off and pick-up required daily)
- Flexible sign-up (individual days or whole weeks)
- Parents often need to pack lunches
Finding the Right Camp
Beyond sending the kids to grandma’s for the summer (love you, grandma!), there are plenty of ways to find the perfect camp. Summer camp directories like Winnie.Com make searching easier by listing available programs in your area.
Financial Assistance may be available for summer day camps! Many states consider them an enriching childcare option, so check with local programs to see if you qualify.
About the Author
Right At School is a leading provider of After School, Before School, and Summer Camp — offering both week-long Specialty Camps and summer-long day camps. Visit RASCamps.com to learn more about summer camp options in your area.
