Single-gender vs Coed Camps

When choosing between a coed camp and a single-gender camp, it largely depends on who your child is and the type of environment you think they would thrive in. Both have their advantages but one might offer a better experience based on your kid’s personality and needs. Let’s look at some key benefits of each to help you decide:

Single-gender camp benefits:

• Programming, activities, and traditions are geared specifically to one gender
• Can fully be themselves without the social pressure of the opposite sex
• Less care about appearances and competitiveness
• Can be more empowering
• Maybe better if your kid attends a coed school

Coed camp benefits:

• More reflective of the real world
• Programming is more varied and inclusive allowing kids to experience nontraditional activities for their gender
• Many opportunities to build social skills, challenge stereotypes, and learn empathy and respect for the opposite sex
• Convenient for families with a boy and a girl
• Offers a balance if your kid attends a single-gender school

Brother/Sister camps offer a balance of both

Brother/Sister camps are two single-gender camps adjacent or nearby each other that operate separately but share some coed experiences together like dances or BBQs. They typically have the same ownership, pricing, and schedule, making them ideal for families with both genders who want single-gender experiences at the same location.

These camps are not as common and primarily exist in the Northeastern States.

Other Considerations

• Most overnight camps are coed so more camps to choose from
• Only about 20% of camps are single-gender and just 4% are Brother/Sister
• Some coed sports camps split their activities by gender

Ultimately, the right choice depends on who your child is and what experience you think will be the best for them. Discuss with your kids and see what they think. If you’re still unsure, we recommend talking with camps directly to help you decide.