What Are the Different Types of Summer Camps?

There are two main designations for summer camps, but there are many different types. The first designation is day camp, where attendees participate in a program during the day, but return home in the afternoon or evening. The other designation is "sleep away" or overnight camp. Either kind of camp can last from a single day up to one week or more.

Various entities offer summer camps, from schools and churches to sports programs. There are cheerleading camps, dance camps, camps for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and even specialized camps, including those for people with disabilities or special needs. Summer camps may be strictly for boys or girls, or they may be co-ed but strictly for children. There are camps available for adults as well, such as performing arts camps, but adults and children are not usually included in the same camp setting.

Aside from sports and scout camps, there are also spa camps, exercise and training camps, weight loss camps and boot camps, as well as summer camps for most hobbies. These include everything from art and music to science. You should have no problem selecting a camp that matches your child's needs, interests and personality. Friendly reminder though, make sure that if they join hiking or trekking activities, they will be supervised by a competent grownup. Camping tools like utility knives, ropes, or axes should always be handled by experts and not kids.

The activities available at different camps include everything from learning how to skateboard or ride a horse, to preparing for higher education and performing community service. Your child can experience everything from diving, fishing and archery, to learning about computers or learning new forms of worship. From dirt bike racing to snorkeling, and from tennis to dancing, there is something for every taste.

Choosing a camp depends quite a bit on the children who plan to attend. For example, a child who has never been away from home may be reluctant to attend a camp that lasts more than one week. Find out if the camp you are considering offers a "trial" stay, allowing the child to visit for a day or two before making a final decision. Since most camp fees are non-refundable, you don't want to pay for a two weeks' stay if the child is ready to return home in two days.

Summer camps can be a form of vacation, a learning experience, or a bit of both. Some of the greatest benefits these camps offer is the chance for children to make new friends, learn new skills or simply improve upon current ones, and remain busy and active throughout the summer months. Make sure you ask the facilitators regarding the activities during summer camp and find out if they're age appropriate. You wouldn't want your young kids to handle hunting tools long before they've learned how to use them.