 | One or Two Weeks: $300-$2,000 |
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 | Four Weeks: $1,000-$4,500 |
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 | Eight Weeks: $2,000-$10,000 |
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| Also called sleepover or resident camps, overnight summer camps can be general interest (hiking, swimming and other outdoor activities) or geared for special interests or needs. Most children attend summer camp for 2-8 weeks, although special interest camps may be 1-3 weeks and some camps offer a 1-2 week trial session for younger or first-time campers. | | |
| Typical costs: | - A general-interest camp run by nonprofit, religious or community organizations such as the YMCA can be $1,000 -$3,000 for a four-week stay or $2,000 -$5,000 for eight weeks. Some of these camps offer one- to two-week sessions for $300 -$2,000. Costs vary considerably depending on the size and location of the camp, the staff-camper ratio and the types of activities available. Some camps provide financial assistance. For example, the YMCA of Greater New York lets parents pick their fee level ranging from $568 -$768 for one week or $1,033 -$1,433 for two weeks, depending on family finances; this YMCA offers different programs by age groups 6 to 7, 8 to 11, 12, and 13 to 15 years old.
- Private camps typically charge about $3,000 -$4,500 for a four-week session or $7,000 -$10,000 for eight weeks, depending on size of the camp, type of activities, quality of amenities (food, equipment) and staff-camper ratios. Camp Runoia, a general-interest camp in Maine for girls 8 to 15 years old, charges $6,700 for a seven-week session, or $3,850 for a half session, plus an $800 enrollment fee. Specialty camps usually cost more than general-interest camps. High-end camps might have a professional chef on staff, or provide speed boats for water skiing.
What should be included: | - Camps usually vary in size from 100-400 campers. Overnight camps are typically designated as co-ed, all boys, all girls or brother/sister camps which have separate facilities for boys and girls. Specialty camps offer programs on a specific theme, such as academics, the arts, computers or a specific sport, usually for a specific age group. SummerCampsInfo.com describes the different types of summer camps.
- Camp programs are designed for specific age groups, usually starting around 6 or 7 years old, and ranging up to 15 or 16 years old. The American Camp Association lists questions to ask to determine whether a child is ready for overnight camp.
- Housing for campers can range from actual tents, to tent-cabins with wooden floors and canvas sides and roof, to a full cabin with bathroom facilities. Each camp will provide parents with a list of clothing and other supplies that campers should bring. The Boy Scouts provide a sample list of what to pack for residential summer camp.
- Daily activities can include hiking, water sports, arts and crafts, games, campfire sing-a-longs and more. Campers from Camp Hilltop (a private co-ed overnight camp for ages 6 to 16 in Hancock, N.Y.) share their impressions of a typical day at camp.
Additional costs: | - Some camps have extra costs such as uniforms, transportation to and from camp, field trips or special equipment. For example, the YMCA of Greater New York charges an extra $150 for either horseback riding or water skiing sessions.
Discounts: | - Most camps offer discounts for early registration or multiple children from one family, and in some circumstances the government may provide financial help. The American Camp Association lists options for getting assistance with camp costs.
- Some camps are set up to serve underprivileged children or those with serious illnesses or other special needs, and attendance is free or low-cost for children who qualify. SummerCampsInfo.com lists a few special needs camps.
Shopping for overnight summer camp: | - If possible, visit the camp and interview the director in person. If that's not an option, ask detailed questions in a phone interview. Ask about the camp director's background, the age and qualifications of the counselors, and whether the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association or the National Camp Association. The American Camp Association lists questions to ask in an interview, and the National Camp Association provides a detailed guide for choosing the best camp..
- Referrals to overnight camps are available from the American Camp Association, or MySummerCamps.com; or register with the National Camp Association to receive details about camps based on specific ages and interests.
- Summer camp licensing requirements vary by state. In most areas are relatively minimal, with provisions for health, safety and hygiene issues, but not the quality of the programs. When interviewing camp directors, ask for references from parents of former campers.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For medical decisions, always consult your physician for the right course for your infant or child.
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Article updated October 2010 |
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