Summer Camp: Online Tips for Summer Fun
With the thousands of summer camps available, the possibilities may feel endless, but we’ve found some Web sites that should help narrow down your options. In this Web Guide we also share our favorite sites for tips on preparing and packing for camp, the best resources to check for summer camp jobs across the country, and even some Web sites that showcase summer camps just for adults. No matter your summer camp needs, this Web Guide can help you become a happy camper.
Expand All Guide SectionsFind a Summer Camp
Summer camps have expanded beyond the traditional camps of several years ago (but don’t worry, you can still find a more classic camp if you want to). Summer camp directories offer a quick look at the possibilities and the chance to explore a particular camp of interest more thoroughly. Here are some of the best summer camp directories on the Web.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Summer camps fall primarily into two categories: day camp and overnight camp (also known as sleepaway camp). Within each group there are traditional camps that teach campers a variety of skills, and special interest camps that focus on a particular interest such as music, science, or specific sports. Look for these divisions when browsing an online directory to find what you want more easily.
- Many universities and colleges sponsor or even host summer camps. Check the Web sites of your local schools for particulars about camps you already know of or to look for other available camps. Searching the different academic departments of these sites may lead you to special interest camps in biology or journalism, for example.
- Remember to check national organizations (or even state or local clubs) to which your child may belong for summer camp possibilities. For example, the Girl Scouts Web site has a page about summer camps, as does the National 4-H Council Web site. (Unfortunately, the Boy Scouts of America Web site doesn’t have a national directory, but the U.S. Scouting Service Project offers a database of Boy Scout camps around the United States and in a few other countries.)
- For additional advice and general information about summer camps, consult your favorite parenting or family magazines like Parents magazine or Parenting magazine. These often contain personal stories and recommendations of great camps from parents or professionals in the camping industry.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of camp options …
The Summer Camps Directory
provides this general overview of the types of summer camps available. Look for information on day and overnight camps, as well as camps focused on academic subjects, arts, adventure, religious education, and other subjects.
For general camp directories …
The American Camp Association (ACA)
features a “Find a Camp” section that includes only ACA-accredited camps in its database. Search by camp location or camp name, or even print camp listings for a particular state.
The Association of Independent Camps (AIC)
is a professional association for people in the camp industry and is very similar to the ACA. Browse this lengthy page of summer camp listings to find contact information and Web addresses for AIC camps, along with indicators about whether the camp is boys only, girls only, or coed.
The YMCA
offers a list of YMCA resident camps in several states. Find links to individual camp Web sites where available.
For specialty camps …
KidsCamps.com
is a camp directory featuring listings for arts and adventure camps, military camps, and other specialty camps. Camps from several countries are listed, and with the clean look of this page, it shouldn’t be hard to find what you’re looking for.
U.S. Sports Camps
operates NIKE sports camps across the country. Choose a sport from the left sidebar to get a list of camps with activity information, dates and locations.
U.S. Performing Arts Camps
is a fun looking Web site that uses great pictures, videos, and good writing to illustrate what kids can learn at a summer camp with an arts focus. Easily see the camp options available using the navigation bar at the top of the page; many of the camp descriptions come with individual videos about the camp.
The Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA)
is a great resource for those looking to attend a summer camp with a religious affiliation. Use the “Find a Camp/Conference” page to refine your search for a camp using criteria such as denomination, type of camp, and accommodation facilities available.
The U.S. Scouting Service Project
offers a database of Boy Scout camps around the United States and in a few other countries. Click on a state abbreviation or on a type of camp for a list of camps with contact information and user comments. (Note, however, that the comments are sparse and often several years old.)
Quantum Learning Network
supports academic summer camps around the country to help kids improve their study skills and grades, as well as their self-confidence and motivation. Search for camp locations and dates around the country, learn how to enroll, or find answers to frequently asked questions from this easy-to-navigate site.
CampResource.com
presents this page of special needs camps for children with a variety of physical, mental and emotional requirements. Look for camps for at-risk children, visually-impaired children, children with learning disabilities, and more.
----------- Advertisement -----------
Choosing a Summer Camp
Choosing a summer camp from among the many traditional and special interest camps out there takes ... read more »
Preparing for Summer Camp
The phrase “happy camper” takes on a more literal meaning when you’re trying to ... read more »
Find a Summer Camp Job
Working at a camp can be a great summer job for teens or college students. We’ve collected ... read more »
Adult Summer Camps
Being grown up doesn’t have to mean that summer camp is a thing of your past, because adults ... read more »
© 2010 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
