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.
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Choosing a Summer Camp
Choosing a summer camp from among the many traditional and special interest camps out there takes work. Fortunately, there are reputable camping associations and family-oriented publications that conveniently offer their suggestions online to help make your decision easier.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many camps have their own Web sites filled with pictures of their facilities, application deadlines, lists of activities, and more. Explore these individual sites thoroughly with your child to see if each camp is a good fit, and to make sure you know camp registration deadlines (many of which are in January or February).
- If your child is interested in going to overnight camp but you think he or she is just too young, search the Web for a day camp or a “family camp” instead (a family camp is a summer camp with activities for the whole family). Both will afford your child a little more family exposure during the summer while still getting a camp experience.
Dulcinea's Picks
For advice on evaluating camps …
FamilyEducation.com
has a great section on finding and choosing the right camp for your child. Start with “Is Your Child Ready?” to see if this summer is a good time to send your child to camp, and uncover the truth behind some summer camp myths. Then use the “Choose the Right Camp” section for help deciding where your child could go to camp. The “Parents Speak Out” section gives parents a few additional words of wisdom on evaluating camps.
The National Camp Association, Inc.
guides parents in choosing the right camp for their children, addressing such matters as the camp costs, duration, and the needs of the child attending. Also see the article titled “Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Mo—To Which Camp Should my Child Go?” for a list of specific questions you should ask if you evaluate a facility in person.
The American Camp Association
lists some basic questions parents may have when reviewing summer camps and offers guidance in finding answers. Review this site if you’re in a quandary about sending your child to a nearby camp or one that’s farther away, wondering about single-sex and coed camps, or if you’re torn between a more traditional camp or specialty camp.
For camp recommendations …
National Camp Association, Inc.
’s free “CampQuest” tool takes some of the guesswork out of choosing a summer camp. Fill in the form provided on the site and a professional camp advisor will review the submission and return a customized list of camp possibilities to you.
Tips On Trips and Camps
is a free service that allows you to speak with a camp advisor over the phone for personalized help with choosing the right summer camp for your child. Don’t miss the “How We Work” page for a clear explanation of the help you’ll receive after registering at this site.
Preparing for Summer Camp
The phrase “happy camper” takes on a more literal meaning when you’re trying to prepare your children for summer camp. Whether they’re seasoned campers or newcomers to the experience, the helpful tips available on the Web can make it easier for your children (and you) to have an enjoyable time while they are away.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Reading a book or two about going to camp may help ease the nerves of younger campers. Disney Family.com has a list of recommended children’s books about summer camp.
- There’s an abundance of Web sites about what your child may or may not need to pack for summer camp, but the specific camp he attends should be the ultimate authority you consult for a final packing list.
- If the camp your child is attending has a Web site, browse it for advice or requirements (aside from packing) for getting your camper ready to go, such as immunizations or checkups.
Dulcinea's Picks
To emotionally prepare kids for camp …
PBS Kids GO!
offers a wide range of advice for kids preparing to go to summer camp. They’ll learn how to deal with some of the nervous feelings they may have about camp, get advice about making new friends, cope with homesickness, and have the opportunity to ask questions about some of the other things that may worry them (like what to do if they don’t like camp food, or where to find a little privacy).
FamilyEducation.com
has a “What to Do About Homesickness” section for parents who need help getting a child through homesickness at summer camp (scroll down to find it). Also take a look at “Childsick Parents,” an article that examines how parents left at home may feel while their child is at camp.
For summer camp packing tips …
Microsoft Home Magazine
does a great job of addressing packing needs for both day camp and sleepaway camp in this handy article. Download a packing checklist (which you can save in Word), and then add additional items to make your list even more complete.
To improve the camp experience …
The American Camp Association
devotes an entire section of its site to addressing the emotional and developmental needs of kids. Select your child’s age group for helpful suggestions about how to help improve the experience your child will have at camp.
HealthyMinds.org
, a Web site of the American Psychiatric Association, has suggestions that may help your child have a better time at camp. Most tips here recommend that your child participate as much as possible in the selection of a summer camp and preparations to go.
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Find a Summer Camp Job
Working at a camp can be a great summer job for teens or college students. We’ve collected sites to help you determine whether you possess the personal qualities you’ll need to be successful and enjoy a job at summer camp, and to show you where to look to find work.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Camping associations generally list job opportunities on their Web sites. Check these in addition to some of the other job search engines on the Web for a more focused search for work.
- For more resources for finding and applying for part-time jobs, as well as advice about working part-time, see our findingDulcinea Part-Time Jobs Web Guide.
- Most newspapers have an online classifieds section that you can use for job hunting. If you aren’t sure of a particular newspaper’s Web address, the U.S. Newspaper List is a good place to start. Another large source of classified ads is Craigslist.
Dulcinea's Picks
For summer camp job descriptions, qualifications, and training …
The Summer Camps Directory
elaborates on the job descriptions of the many positions available at a summer camp, including camp directors, camp nurses, camp counselors, and camp instructors.
The American Camp Association
“Community” page provides connections to online and in-person training resources for camp counselors, and a free message board for counselors to share tips and ideas with each other. Also see an insightful article from a camp director who offers advice about what it takes to be a camp counselor and perform the job well.
To search for jobs …
CampStaffMatch.com
is a resource from the National Camp Association, Inc., where job seekers can search for jobs and camp directors can find potential staff members for summer camp work.
The American Camp Association
maintains an employment center where people who want a summer camp job can look for work and camps can search for potential employees.
CCUSA
provides “working adventures” around the world. Select your home country from the dropdown menu and find a variety of programs, including working holidays, summer camp counselor positions, and volunteer opportunities.
Backdoorjobs.com
lists “unique” summer camp and guest ranch opportunities across the country. Choose a state from the dropdown menu to find jobs, or browse the “In The Spotlight” list for ideas.
Adult Summer Camps
Being grown up doesn’t have to mean that summer camp is a thing of your past, because adults can go to camp, too. The following Web sites offer some ideas about the adult summer camps out there and what it’s like to attend camp as a “big kid.”
Dulcinea's Insight
- Check some of the more extensive camp directories in the “Find a Summer Camp” section of this guide for “adults only” sections.
- Some major associations and societies such as the Sierra Club sponsor camps for adults. Browse the Web sites of these organizations or others to which you belong to find an adult summer camp.
- Some adult summer camps are referred to as “outings.” If a “summer camp” search isn’t yielding results, use “summer outings” as a search term instead.
- If you’re single, a singles travel service or other reputable travel agent may be able to connect you with a summer camp opportunity for single adults.
Dulcinea's Picks
GrownUpCamps.com
is a directory of adult camps with listings for adventure and extreme sport programs, humanitarian programs, family camps, and many more.
HeartHealthyOnline.com
, the online home of Heart Healthy Living Magazine, provides this list of summer camp ideas for adults who want to get away for awhile. Follow the links to individual camp Web sites to find more information.
Trips Inc.
offers outings for adults with physical, developmental, or other disabilities. Use the search function on the homepage to find outings by month or type of activity.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
