Traditional Camp or Specialty Camp? Which is Better?

Unsure if a traditional camp or specialty camp is better for your child or teen? Both have their advantages but understanding your child’s interests and goals can help you decide which experience is best for them. To help you decide, let’s look at the benefits of each:

Traditional Camps

• Offer a wide variety of activities for campers of all skill levels to try and explore
• Encourages exploration, safe risks, and trying new things
• Emphasizes communal living in a beautiful, private outdoor environment
• Has traditions like color war, singing, campfires, and outdoor living
• For those wanting to “do it all” and have the classic camp experience

Specialty Camps

• Focuses on one activity or area of interest which serves as the main attraction
• Emphasizes proficiency, skill building, and progression
• Setting can vary (outdoor camp, sports complex, university, etc.)
• May offer a few traditional camp activities
• For those wanting full immersion in a particular interest

Some camps are both traditional and specialty

Though not as common, some camps offer a good mix between traditional and specialty experiences. While it’s typical for many traditional camps to offer specialty programs like horseback riding or wilderness trips, and for specialty camps to include some traditional activities, hybrid camps take this a step further and make there is a more even balance between the two offerings.

What is a traditional camp?

A traditional summer camp is a well-rounded overnight experience for kids that focuses on a wide range of outdoor activities, communal living, and personal growth. These camps offer a classic camp experience, allowing kids to try new activities, build independence, and create lifelong friendships.

What is a specialty camp?

A specialty summer camp fully immerses kids in a specific activity or interest. Specialty camps allow them to improve their skills with expert instruction in highly-tailored environments alongside peers who share the same passion. Some traditional camp activities may be offered but most of the time is spent on the specialty offered.

What is a disability camp?

Disability camps are essentially just traditional camps but designed to accommodate the needs of their campers. They often maintain a low camper-to-staff ratio with highly-qualified staff who specialize in that disability. There are three ways camps accommodate campers with disabilities:

• Dedicated disability camps – Camps specifically designed to accommodate campers with disabilities, with most campers attending having a disability.
• Inclusion programs – General population camps integrate and include campers with disabilities alongside their able-bodied peers.
• Separate sessions – General population camps that offer a special week or session outside the main program that is exclusively for specific disabilities.