How to Choose a Summer Camp for Your Child

Summer camps for children are an outstanding and productive way to spend the summer weeks when school is not in session. What are the top questions to ask when choosing a summer camp? Here’s what you should consider.

In this article (click a heading to go right to that section)

1. When Does Summer Camp 2024 Start?
2. How Old Do You Have to Be to Go to Summer Camp?
3. How Much Does the Average Summer Camp Cost?
4. What Is the Purpose of Summer Camp?
5. Why Do Parents Send Their Children to Summer Camp?
6. How Many Children Attend Summer Camp?
7. How Long Is an Average Day at Summer Camp?
8. How Do Children Benefit from Summer Camp?
9. How Does a Summer at Camp Positively Affect Your Child?
10. How Do Kids Convince their Parents to Let Them Go to a Summer Camp?
11. What Should Parents Look for In a Summer Camp?
12. What Are Some Alternatives to Summer Camp?
13. Which Is Better, Summer Camp or Staying at Home?
14. What Should Your Child Bring to Summer Camp?
15. What Should Your Child Wear to Summer Camp?
16. What Happens at Summer Camp?
17. How Is Conflict Handled at Summer Camp?
18. What Are Some Ways to Make Summer Camp More Fun?
19. How Can You Make Sure Your Child Has an Awesome Time at Summer Camp?
20. How Can You Make Sure Your Child Makes Friends at Summer Camp?
21. What Are Some Summer Camp Activities for Children?
22. What Are Some Summer Camp Craft Ideas?
23. What Are Some Summer Camp Games?
24. What Are Some Summer Camp Outdoor Activities?
25. What Are Good Children’s Camp Activities When It’s Raining?
26. What Is the Summer Camp’s Food Like?
27. What Happens At Summer Camp In Between Activities?
28. What Do Children Like About Summer Camp?
29. What are the Staff’s Qualifications?
30. What are the Camp’s Qualifications?
31. What Do Children Say About Summer Camp?
32. Is Summer Camp Right for Your Child?

When Does Summer Camp 2024 Start?

Summer camps typically run from late June, when the school year is complete, until the end August, before children go back to school, usually around Labor Day. Red Robin Country Day Camp’s 2024 season is expected to begin June 29, 2024 and end August 20, 2024. This year we are waiting to hear from the governor and the health departments of New York State and Nassau County regarding when exactly when we can start our camp season. We are hopeful it will begin on time.

We are working closely with the same auspices that permit camps to operate in our region, namely the Health Departments of New York State and Nassau County, are working closely with state and local government, the American Camp Association, with whom we maintain critical accreditation, and the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) to determine the exact date and conditions under which we can open. No governmental authority understands and regulates public hygiene, and safety, more than the Health Department.  Therefore, when they make the determination that camps may open, that permission will be accompanied by a strict set of protocols, extending way beyond the lengthy list of normal regulations, aimed at addressing concerns associated with the Coronavirus.

Camp will certainly look different with closed campuses, tightly restricting outsiders from visiting, constant sanitizing and perhaps an altered schedule, but all decisions about how to operate camp will be extremely systematic and aligned with whatever the experts, and scientists, determine to be the safest procedures.  As always, safety and the well-being of our campers and staff will be paramount.  We will work tirelessly to provide the exciting, active experience our children require, but only after all safety measures have been implemented.

There are a number of different schedules and options you can select for your child, from 16 days of your choice, 24 days, or 4 through eight weeks, mini day (9:15AM-1PM) or full day (9:15AM-4PM). Red Robin Camp’s unique flexibility allows you to customize your child’s schedule to best accommodate your summer needs or plans.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Go to Summer Camp?

Many camps have programs for preschoolers (age 2-5), as well as for school-aged children (age 6-12). Gauge your child’s maturity level and check any age restrictions at the camps you’re considering. Third through Seventh Grade children enjoy overnights and exciting off-site trips, provided 4 out of 5 days per camp week, to enhance their experience.

How Much Does the Average Summer Camp Cost?

Day camps cost on average between $200 to $800 for the week, while overnight camps can cost between $630 to $2,000 per week, according to the American Camp Association. You may be able to trim camp costs by registering early, paying in advance, or applying for scholarships and financial assistance.

What Is the Purpose of Summer Camp?

The purpose of summer camp for children is to help children develop social, educational, athletic, artistic and physical skills in a caring, safe environment. Summer camp can help children create productive bonds with peers and counselors, and the positive impact of camp can last a lifetime.

Why Do Parents Send Their Children to Summer Camp?

Parents send their children to summer camp to help them develop athletically, physically, socially, cognitively and emotionally. Since parents do not attend camp with the child, children can grow their skills independently, giving them confidence and a sense of mastery in their own ability to handle challenges in a mature manner.

How Many Children Attend Summer Camp?

According to the American Camp Association, more than 14 million young adults and children attend a camp every year. The average number of children that attend a single camp varies and many camps have enrollment limits per group or season.

How Long Is an Average Day at Summer Camp?

Day camp usually begins around 9AM and ends around 4PM, giving parents time to drop children off and pick them up before and after work. Many day camps also provide bus transportation to and from camp, often offering this service door to door.

How Do Children Benefit from Summer Camp?

Children who attend summer camp develop lifelong skills in teamwork, athleticism, healthy living, and social engagement. The best summer camps for kids encourage physical activity, self-confidence, new friendships, and personal growth.

How Does a Summer at Camp Positively Affect Your Child?

A summer at camp will positively affect your child in many ways. Camp helps to develop confidence, resiliency, and independence. Summer camp helps children to unplug and engage in activities with their peers that challenge their minds and bodies, free from the isolating effects of video games, cell phones and social media.

How Do Kids Convince their Parents to Let Them Go to a Summer Camp?

How Do Kids Convince their Parents to Let Them Go to a Summer Camp?
Children can help convince their parents to let them go to summer camp by displaying maturity at home and at school. Children can also help earn money to offset costs by doing chores or helping neighbors with various tasks in exchange for a donation to summer camp tuition.

What Should Parents Look for In a Summer Camp?

Parents should look for a summer camp that meets their child’s emotional and physical developmental needs and fits their summer schedules. Many parents also look for affordable summer camps or camps that offer free or reduced tuition rates. Parents should always visit the camp they are selecting, be provided with a thorough tour and meet with the camp’s directors to ensure that the philosophy and attitude of the administration resonates with the parents’ hope for their children.

What Are the Staff’s Qualifications?

How does the camp recruit and maintain its staff? How does the camp perform background checks? What is the hierarchy of the camp and what are its staff to camper ratios? What are the ages of staff working directly with your children? How are the staff trained and how long is orientation? How does the camp handle discipline, conflict among campers, and conflict among campers and staff?

What Are the Camp’s Qualifications?

Most high quality camps for children maintain accreditation with the American Camp Association, the most prominent organization for resident and day camps in the United States. The ACA requires camps to maintain their overall programs within certain guidelines and to adhere to mandatory regulations. Camps are visited by ACA representatives in order to ensure that the standards are being followed and camps must complete annual accreditation reports, ensuring compliance. In New York State, true day camps are required to be Department of Health inspected and approved. Camps are provided with a permit when they are legitimate and meet all regulations. Said regulations include safety measures, such as maintaining a nurse on staff throughout each camp day and fully certified lifeguards, among many other critical regulations, designed to protect campers and staff.

What Are Some Alternatives to Summer Camp?

Summer camp alternatives can include camping with family, visiting local parks, planning fun outdoor activities, and cooking out or having a backyard barbecue. The best summer camps for kids are hard to replicate, but you can make sure your children get plenty of sun, exercise, and social engagement if camp isn’t an option. However, consider what meals, excursions, and activities will cost you and compare these costs to an all-inclusive camp, where the value may be greater than you think.

Which Is Better, Summer Camp or Staying at Home?

If summer camp is an option for your children with your schedule and budget, many children prefer to go to summer camp versus staying at home. Ask your children what their preference is and if they want to stay home, what you can do to ensure they get enough supervision, exercise and social activity outside of summer camp. Staying at home tends to be isolating and does not promote the critical social skills that result from a summer working together with peers.

What Should Your Child Bring to Summer Camp?

Your child’s summer camp packing list should include appropriate clothing for the weather, sun protection, such as sunscreen, and a bathing suit. Each camp is unique and will provide you with a comprehensive list of their suggested items for your children to bring.

What Should Your Child Wear to Summer Camp?

Your child should wear summer camp clothing that is appropriate for the expected weather during the week of camp. Pack a jacket for chilly evenings and rain, and make sure all clothing and swimwear meet camp dress codes. Each camp is unique and will provide you with a comprehensive list of their suggested items for your children to bring. All personal items should be labelled with your child’s name.

What Happens at Summer Camp?

At summer camp, children will engage in a wide variety of physical, social, and independent activities designed to build different skill sets. Children learn teamwork, self-confidence, and social cues from participating in games, mealtimes, and other structured activities together. Parents should ensure that a camp they are considering provides for their children’s interests. Activities should be engaging, resonating with a child’s desires, while offering novel experiences that help to challenge and expand children’s skills.

How Is Conflict Handled at Summer Camp?

Conflict may be handled differently at each summer camp and even at the same camp from year to year. Ask the administrators and counselors who will be staffing your child’s camp how conflict between peers or with staff will be resolved if it occurs and how you will be notified. Communication with parents is key and you will want to feel informed and updated throughout the summer regarding your child’s experience and progress.

What Are Some Ways to Make Summer Camp More Fun?

You can make summer camp more fun for your child by including everything they need in their summer camp packing list and giving them the space to make new memories. Trust your child to face challenges alone, but make sure they have the supplies they need. Encourage and support them as they separate from you. Communicate your belief in them that they can function and adjust without you. Children take many cues from parents and family. Those messages have a great deal to do with how children assimilate to a camp environment.

How Can You Make Sure Your Child Has an Awesome Time at Summer Camp?

You can help make sure your child has an awesome time at summer camp by choosing the right camp for your family’s needs and your child’s unique developmental and physical abilities. Make sure the camp you select fits your schedule, your budget, and your child.

How Can You Make Sure Your Child Makes Friends at Summer Camp?

Help your children make friends at summer camp by giving them a few helpful tips before they go. Teach them social skills like saying hello, asking open-ended questions, being genuine and honest, and being flexible enough to go with the flow. Encourage your child to speak honestly and seek out staff if conflicts or problems arise for him or her.

What Are Some Summer Camp Activities for Children?

Fun summer camp activities for children include traditional sports like basketball, baseball, tennis, hockey, football, volleyball, field day exercises like tug of war/Olympics, special events, science & nature, arts and crafts and indoor activities like cooking, drama and music. Depending on the camp, activities may have themes or lessons attached to them. Since swimming is a life skill, parents may want to ensure that the camp provides American Red Cross swim instruction.

What Are Some Summer Camp Craft Ideas?

Summer camp crafts for kids can be nearly any type of arts and crafts, such as painting, sewing, jewelry making, tie-dying, cutting and gluing, and paper folding. Most camps provide guidance. Your child should have plenty of projects to bring home.

What Are Some Summer Camp Games?

Summer camp games include traditional sports, board games, field day games, and other creative games. Games that focus on team building, communication, and athleticism are seen at camp, like tug of war, three-legged races, dodgeball, basketball, and obstacle courses.

What Are Some Summer Camp Outdoor Activities?

Summer camp outdoor activities include activities on both land and in the water. Children at summer camp typically enjoy swimming, hiking, traditional sports, arts and crafts, science and nature, Olympics, special events, trips to exciting attractions and way beyond!

What Are Good Children’s Camp Activities When It’s Raining?

Good children’s camp activities, when it’s raining, include both indoor and outdoor games. If there’s no thunder or lightning, children may be allowed to play outside in a light rain. Indoor summer camp games include board games, roleplaying, arts and crafts, musical chairs, cooking, dance, music, karate, and other engaging games/entertainment that the camp has indoor space for.

What Is the Summer Camp’s Food Like?

What is the camp’s menu and does it offer variety and flexibility, accommodating the tastes/diets/needs of different children? How often are meals served? When are snacks provided?

What Happens At Summer Camp In Between Activities?

In between activities, children at summer camp are usually eating a meal, sleeping, or having a few minutes of downtime. Most summer camps plan activities close together in order to keep children fully engaged.

What Do Children Like About Summer Camp?

There are many things that children love about going to summer camp. At camp, children can challenge themselves to make new friends, engage in new activities, be creative, and stay active. The best summer camps for children provide them with a multitude of personal growth tools and social skill-building opportunities.

What Do Children Say About Summer Camp?

Children often say that summer camp is fun, exciting, and helps them make new friends. Summer camp gives children the opportunity to engage with peers in between school years, which is important for maintaining interpersonal skills.

Is Summer Camp Right for Your Child?

Summer camp is a great opportunity to nurture your children between school years and promote their personal growth. When time and budget allow you to choose a summer camp for your child, both you and your child will experience the benefits of summer camp. Have you signed your 2 to 12-year-old child up for summer camp yet? Check out Red Robin Country Day School Summer and Camp Registration Rates and Forms here.