Summer Camp Glossary: Key Terms and Lingo

Scratching your head at some of the summer camp lingo out there? Our comprehensive glossary of essential summer camp terms and phrases has you covered. This quick reference guide can help make finding the perfect summer camp for your child much easier when you know the common lingo frequently used in the camp world.

A

Adventure – Used to describe thrilling and adventurous outdoor activities like archery, canoeing, hiking, climbing, ziplining, ropes course, etc.

All Ages – An ‘all ages’ camp is where every age group is at camp together. Most overnight camps are all ages but some have age-specific sessions or separate programs where kids only interact with their own age group.

B

Bathhouse – A dedicated buildings for toilets/sinks/showers when not directly attached to the bunks. These are often divided by gender and age.

The Blob – A giant water inflatable that launches campers high into the air before splashing down in the water below.

Buddy System – An extra layer of safety practiced by lifeguards to quickly account for all swimmers in the water. Campers are paired up before entering the water and must get with their buddy when ‘buddy checks’ are routinely called.

Bug Juice – Camp slang for Kool-Aid or similar sweet juice made from a powdered mix.

Bunk – The living quarters where kids stay while at camp. Cabins are the most common but others include yurts, platform tents, dorms, and even covered wagons.

Brother/Sister Camp – Refers to two single-gender camps that operate separately but share some coed experiences like BBQs or camp dances. They’re either nearby each other or on the same property and are often have the same owners.

C

Cabin – A wooden structure where campers sleep. This is the most common type of living area found at most overnight summer camps.

Camper – A young human who attends camp.

Campership – Camp scholarship.

Camp Director – The captain of the ship. They oversee all aspects of a camp operation.

Canteen – A camp’s ‘general store’ where campers can buy small items like toiletries, snacks, drinks, or even color war gear. Real money is typically not exchanged and families purchase credits kids can use during the summer.

Care Package – A package sent from home filled with goodies like clothes, toiletries, playing cards, or other fun items. Not all camps allow care packages and those that do usually have a firm no-food policy.

CIT – Counselor in Training. A leadership program for teens (usually age 16 or 17) looking to learn how to be camp counselors.

Coed – A mixed gender camp for both boys and girls. They live and sleep in separate gender-specific bunks and areas but participate in activities, trips, events, and meals together.

Color War – A beloved and long-standing sleepaway tradition where everybody at camp is divided into two or more teams with each team being assigned a color. Throughout the summer, teams compete in various events and challenges to earn points. The team with the most points by the end of camp is crowned champion of that summer.

Counselor – The embodiment of fun. Counselors are role models, leaders, teachers, coaches, and surrogate parents all rolled into one. They’re the ones who take care of your kiddos, help them grow, and make sure they have the best summer ever.

E – H

Early Bird – A family who enrolls soon after registration opens to secure their child’s spot at a discounted rate.

Equestrian – Horse care and riding

Full Season – An overnight camp that runs the full summer, typically 7-8 weeks.

Gaga – A variant of dodgeball played in an octagonal ‘pit’

Half Season – An overnight camp that runs half of the summer, typically 3-4 weeks.

Health Center – The dedicated facility for campers and staff to receive medical care should they need it. Often staffed 24/7 by nurses, doctors, or other health professionals.

Hold Over – See ‘stay over’ below.

Homesick – The common, short-lived feeling of longing for the comforts and routine of home when adjusting to camp.

I – R

Inter-camp – A friendly gathering, event, or competition with another nearby summer camp.

LIT – Leader in Training. See ‘CIT’ above.

Nonsectarian – A camp with no religious affiliation.

Open Air – A minimally enclosed building with large openings or partial walls for unobstructed views and maximum fresh air.

Program Director – The person who designs, runs, and coordinates the entire camp program including scheduling, activities, and special events.

Rest Hour – The daily quiet time, usually after lunch, where all campers and staff relax in their bunks. Some nap while others read books or write letters home.

S – W

Season – How long a camp runs in the summer. A camp season is typically broken up into multiple parts called sessions.

Session – The length of time a camper participates in the camp program. Most camps offer multiple sessions of various lengths throughout the summer.

Specialty Camp – A camp highly specialized in one main activity or activity area. Campers spend the majority of their time at camp learning, training, and/or experiencing this specialty. Some traditional camp activities may be offered but the primary focus of the experience is the specialty. Examples: Space camp, Equestrian camp, Basketball camp, etc.

Stay Over – Aka changeover or hold over. Some camps have short gaps between sessions without campers. A stay over is when a multi-session camper stays at camp during this gap rather than getting picked up and then dropped back off again.

Traditional Camp – The most common type of overnight summer camp which offers a wide-range of activities for campers to try and explore in a safe, private outdoor environment.

Trunk – Also known as a footlocker, trunks are the primary means of storage for campers’ belongings while at camp.

Visiting Day – Also known as parents day, this is a day dedicated for parents and families to come visit their campers. Typically occurs halfway though the main session.

Waterfront – The body of water a camp operates on or near. Most camps are on lakes but some are on the ocean while others only have a pool or no waterfront at all.