How to Choose the Right Overnight Summer Camp

Looking to send your child or teen to sleepaway camp but don’t know where to start? Sleepawayz has got you covered! Our simple yet powerful camp search, along with this easy-to-understand guide will help you know just what to look for. Here’s how to choose the right overnight summer camp using some key questions and considerations.

Considerations Before Starting

Start searching camps early in the Fall or Winter

Most camps open registration in the Fall or early Winter and tend to fill up by Spring. So the sooner you start looking the better. Certain age groups can fill up faster than others so plan ahead if you have siblings of different ages. If you’re reading this in the Spring, you still have plenty of options but some camps may already be full or have a waitlist.

Involve your kids in the camp search process

We cannot stress enough how important it is to involve your kids in the search process. It is their experience after all. Allow them opportunities to ask questions and make decisions along the way. Giving them ownership in the search process also goes a long way in setting them up for success at camp.

Don’t rush, you’re finding ‘the one’

Choosing the right overnight camp is like choosing the right college or university– it’s often a long-term commitment. You’re not just picking for the this summer but for many summers to come. That’s why it’s important to find the right fit the first time.

Key Questions to Narrow Your Options

1. Single-gender or coed?

Both experiences have their own benefits but it really comes down to who your kid is and what environment is best for them. Brother/Sister camps are convenient for families with both genders who want single-gender experiences at the same location.

2. What type of overnight camp?

There are three types of residential camps for kids, each with their own strengths. Check out our guide on traditional vs specialty camps for an in-depth look at each.

• Traditional camps offer the classic camp experience with a wide range of activities, communal outdoor living, and personal growth.
• Specialty camps focus on one specific activity or area of interest which serves as the main attraction for campers.
• Disability camps primarily serve campers with disabilities and allows them to participate in traditional activities and connect with others like them.

3. What interests does your child have?

Are they wild about sports but also love the water? Are they big into animals and want a non-competitive farm or nature camp? Do they want a lot of variety? Knowing the “must have” activities your child wants can make it easier to narrow your choices down.

4. Camp location: Near or far?

Most families should expect to drive at least a few hours as finding a camp nearby is not typical. Also, keep in mind that the right camp is not always the closest camp either.

• Nearby camps – Convenient, minimal travel costs, but limits your options.
• Far away camps – More travel but offers the most choices and variety, plus a greater sense of adventure and independence.

5. Length: Short or long stay?

Most overnight camp sessions range from one week to eight full weeks. The right length for your child really depends on their comfort level and personality. The general consensus is the longer they stay, the greater their experience and growth will be.

• Short stay (1-2 weeks) – Less expensive and great for first-timers but can leave them wanting more. Shorter sessions allow kids to try the experience, have some fun, and explore a few new activities.
• Longer stay (3+ weeks) – More costly but provides the greatest overall experience and impact. Longer sessions allow kids to develop lifelong friendships, build new skills, and see immense personal growth.

6. Cost: What is your weekly budget?

Most overnight summer camps typically cost between $500 to $2,500 per week. Tuition assistance is common at most camps so don’t be afraid to look outside your budget. Plus, the longer they stay, the cheaper the per-week cost usually is.

• Affordable (under $800 /week) – These camps are typically one-week only, with many being religious or state-funded camps with limited programming.
• Standard ($800 – $2,000 /week) – These camps offer the best balance between affordability and high-quality programming.
• High End ($2,000+ /week) – These camps are the best of the best.

7. Camp Size: Big or small camp community?

The number of campers at camp can greatly affect the type of experience your child has. Talk with your child to see which they prefer more.

• Smaller camp (< 300 campers) – Often provides a more personalized experience with a stronger sense of community, deeper bonds, and low camper-to-staff ratio.
• Larger camp (300+ campers) – Often provides the largest choice of activities, grander events, and more social opportunities.

Next Steps

The above questions should be enough to get your family on the right path to finding the right overnight camp. If you want to know more before jumping into the search, we recommend you check out some of our other helpful articles listed on our camp guide.