Choosing the perfect overnight summer camp for your child

As I watched my 6-year-old bounce around the living room pretending to roast marshmallows over our coffee table “campfire,” I realised we might be ready for the next big milestone – overnight summer camp. If you’re reading this with a little one nearby (probably asking for another snack or negotiating bedtime), you’re likely wondering the same thing: when and how do we take this leap?

Finding the right overnight summer camp, especially for first-time campers, can feel like a big decision because we want to make sure our child will be safe, engaged and having fun while building independence. And, with so many camp styles and themes available, the search can quickly become overwhelming. You need to think about cost, location, values, and readiness, as well as what fits your child’s needs, personality, and stage of development.

Not every camper thrives in the same setting; some excel in sports-heavy programs, while others are drawn to nature, creativity, or structure. However, the best camp is one where your child feels both supported and free to grow, so they can return home with memories that last long after the summer.

Is your child ready for their first overnight camp?

Before diving into camp selection, find out if your young child is actually ready for overnight camp. The American Camp Association suggests that readiness varies by child, but there are clear indicators to watch for:

Signs Your Child May Be Ready:

• Completes sleepovers at friends’ or relatives’ homes without significant distress
• Shows interest when camp is mentioned or asks about going
• Can manage basic self-care tasks independently (brushing teeth, changing clothes, basic hygiene)
• Handles being away from you for full school days without anxiety
• Expresses curiosity about new experiences and meeting new friends
• Can communicate their needs to unfamiliar adults

Signs to Wait Another Year:

• Still needs significant help with daily routines
• Experiences severe separation anxiety during school or activities
• Has difficulty sleeping in unfamiliar environments
• Struggles to advocate for themselves with adults
• Shows extreme resistance to the idea of camp

Remember, there’s no shame in waiting. My neighbour went with her daughter at 7, and it was perfect timing, while my sons weren’t ready until they were 8 and 9. Every child develops at their own pace.

Match the camp style to your child’s personality

Camps come in many forms, including traditional, academic, athletic, creative, and faith-based. Some prioritise outdoor survival skills, while others lean into performing arts or coding workshops. Your child’s personality should guide the selection process.

For younger, first-time campers (ages 6-9), consider these personality matches:

The Social Butterfly: Large, traditional camps offering a variety of activities and numerous interaction opportunities. These camps often have 100+ campers and emphasise group activities, team sports, and communal experiences.

The Quiet Observer: Smaller camps with 30-50 campers total, allowing for deeper connections and less overwhelming social dynamics. Look for camps that offer quiet time or reading periods built into the schedule.

The Nature Lover: Outdoor-focused camps with environmental education, hiking, wildlife observation, and minimal technology. These camps often feature lake activities, nature crafts, and camping skills.

The Creative Soul: Arts-focused camps offering theatre, music, visual arts, creative writing, or filmmaking. These environments celebrate self-expression and imagination.

The Athlete: Sports camps that either focus on one sport intensively or offer a variety of athletic activities. Consider whether your child prefers team sports or individual challenges.

The Scholar: Academic enrichment camps that make learning fun through science experiments, robotics, chess, or language immersion.

Introverted children may prefer smaller camps with tight-knit groups and predictable routines. Extroverted kids might thrive in larger programs with frequent social interaction and varied activities. A camper who loves routine might benefit from highly scheduled days. Those with flexible minds may enjoy looser activity blocks that allow for spontaneous choices. This isn’t about labelling. It’s about finding a rhythm that suits your child’s pace and interests.

Ask your child what excites them. If they hesitate, prompt with examples. Canoeing, painting, robotics, singing, horseback riding, swimming, and archery. Their enthusiasm (or lack of it) offers key clues. Matching their personality to a camp environment helps prevent homesickness, disengagement, or unnecessary stress.

Consider location, duration, and structure for first-time campers

Several core logistics can shape your child’s overall camp experience more than you might expect, especially for younger campers experiencing their first time away from home.

Local vs remote camps: making the distance decision

The location of a camp often shapes what kids get to do each day. Local camps (within 2 hours of home) may offer more familiar activities, such as sports, arts, or swimming, as they’re typically set up closer to neighbourhoods and towns. They also provide peace of mind for parents – you could get there quickly if needed.

Remote camps (3+ hours away), by contrast, often lean into their setting, like hiking in the mountains, paddling across lakes, or exploring nature trails, because the environment itself becomes part of the adventure. The distance can actually help with homesickness – when coming home isn’t an option, children often adapt more quickly. Both options give campers plenty of fun – it just depends on whether they want variety close to home or experiences that make the most of a farther-away setting.

For first-time campers under 8, I typically recommend staying within a 2-3 hour drive. This provides enough distance for independence while keeping pickup manageable if homesickness becomes overwhelming.

Session lengths and camper readiness: starting small

The length of stay is a significant factor for young campers. Here’s what works best by age and experience:

Ages 6-7 (First-timers): Start with a 3-5 day “mini session” or “starter camp.” Many camps offer these specifically for younger children to test the waters.

Ages 8-9 (First-timers): One-week sessions work well, giving enough time to settle in without overwhelming them.

Ages 7-9 (Experienced): Can handle 2-week sessions after a successful first experience.

Ages 10+ (Experienced): Ready for 3-4 week sessions if interested.

Younger or first-time campers may do best with shorter options. Experienced campers might want three or four weeks to dive deeper into friendships and skill-building. Look for flexibility in session length if you’re unsure. Some camps allow you to extend mid-session if your child is thriving.

Daily schedules and camper comfort: finding the right structure

Structure plays a crucial role in young campers’ success. Some camps follow strict daily schedules with wake-up at 7 AM, activities every hour, and lights-out at 9 PM. Others let campers choose their path each morning through “free choice” periods.

For first-time campers ages 6-9, I strongly recommend camps with a predictable structure. Knowing what comes next reduces anxiety and helps children feel secure. As they gain experience, you can explore camps with more flexibility.

Highly Structured Camps Feature:

• Set wake-up and bedtimes
• Scheduled activity periods
• Assigned rotation through activities
• Mandatory rest hour
• Structured meal times with assigned seating (at least initially)

Flexible Structure Camps Feature:

• Choice periods where campers pick activities
• Optional activities alongside required ones
• Free time blocks for socialising
• Elective specialisation in favourite activities
• Open seating at meals

Evaluate programming depth and activity range

Beyond the core camp style, you can look at the variety and quality of activities, especially for keeping younger campers engaged. Some camps rotate specialities so kids can sample everything, while others ask them to choose a focus like equestrian, theatre, or sailing at registration.

Look for camps that balance structure with exploration. A well-designed schedule might include outdoor games in the morning, creative arts mid-day, and group challenges in the afternoon. Evening programs – campfires, talent shows, themed games – should round out the day with fun, inclusive experiences.

Features to Look For in a Strong First-Timer Program:

• Wide variety of age-appropriate activities (at least 15-20 different options)
• Balanced schedule of physical and creative options
• Opportunities for both group and solo engagement
• Regular updates based on camper feedback
• Evening programs that build connection and fun
• Modified activities for different skill levels
• Non-competitive options alongside competitive ones
• Safety progressions (e.g., swim tests before lake activities)
• Buddy systems for younger campers
• Age-appropriate challenges that build confidence

Some camps specialise in themed adventure or fantasy tracks, letting kids step into new roles or explore niche interests. For example, Pali Adventures overnight summer camp offers immersive experiences ranging from Film to Hollywood Stunts, giving campers a chance to explore creative passions in a structured setting. Camps like this can inspire long-term interests and build confidence through novelty and discovery.

Research the staff and safety protocols: non-negotiables for young campers

A camp is only as strong as the team behind it – this is especially critical for younger, first-time campers who need extra support. Staff training, camper-to-counsellor ratios, emergency preparedness, and medical support should all be clearly explained on the camp’s website or in their parent packet. If it’s not, ask. Transparency is non-negotiable.

Staff qualifications and ratios

According to the American Camp Association standards, look for:

• Counsellor minimum age: 18 years old (some use 16-17 year olds as junior counsellors with supervision)
• Camper-to-counsellor ratios:
  • Ages 6-8: No more than six campers per counsellor
  • Ages 9-14: No more than eight campers per counsellor
  • Ages 15-18: No more than 10 campers per counsellor
• Staff training hours: Minimum one week of pre-camp training
• Background checks: Comprehensive criminal background checks for all staff
• Certifications: CPR and First Aid for all counsellors, lifeguard certification for waterfront staff

You want a place where counsellors receive training in behaviour management, inclusion, child development, and specifically handling homesickness in young campers. Look for a director who is present and accessible – many quality camps provide the director’s cell phone to parents. Good camps will also have detailed protocols for food allergies, medications, and injuries.

Medical support and health protocols

For young campers, robust health support is essential:

• On-site nurse or EMT 24/7 (not just “on-call”)
• Relationship with local hospital (know the distance and transport plan)
• Medication management systems (how do they ensure your 7-year-old takes their allergy medicine?)
• Allergy protocols, including EpiPen training for all staff
• Mental health support (counsellor or psychologist available)
• Clear illness policies (when do they call parents?)

Emotional safety and homesickness management

Don’t forget emotional safety – this is huge for first-time campers. Ask how homesickness is handled. Quality camps will have specific strategies:

• No phone calls home for the first 48 hours (sounds harsh, but helps with adjustment)
• Structured letter-writing time
• Big sibling or buddy programs
• Counsellors trained in distraction and engagement techniques
• Clear protocols for when homesickness requires intervention

Ask: How are conflicts between campers addressed? Is there a code of conduct for behaviour? What happens if a child is bullied? Camps that prioritise emotional well-being often have higher camper return rates and more positive feedback from families.

Look at culture, values, and camper mix

Camp culture often flies under the radar, but it’s one of the most critical elements to consider, especially when your child is forming their first impressions of independence. Does the camp promote kindness, collaboration, and diversity? Are campers from a mix of backgrounds, or do they come from similar communities?

Some camps have a faith-based mission. Others emphasise environmental stewardship or leadership development. Read the materials carefully. You want a program that reinforces values you’re already working on at home. Consider asking:

• How is bullying addressed?
• What’s the policy on competition vs. cooperation?
• How is homesickness normalised and supported?
• What values are emphasised in daily activities?
• How is diversity celebrated?
• What traditions build camp community?

Also consider the mix of ages. Some programs group 7- to 14-year-olds together, while others split them by grade. For first-time young campers, I recommend camps that group narrowly by age (within 2 years). The peer group can shape your child’s experience as much as the counsellors do.

The financial reality: understanding camp costs

Let’s talk money – because overnight camps are a significant investment. According to the American Camp Association, average weekly rates range from $500 to $2000+, with speciality camps charging more. Here’s what affects pricing:

Factors Influencing Cost:

• Location (remote camps often cost more)
• Session length
• Speciality programming (horseback riding and water skiing adds costs)
• Staff-to-camper ratios
• Facilities and accommodations
• Meals and dietary accommodations
• Included vs. additional cost activities

Hidden Costs to Budget For:

• Transportation to/from camp ($50-200)
• Camp store/canteen money ($50-100/week)
• Laundry service ($20-50/session)
• Optional camp photos ($30-75)
• Tipping staff (optional but standard: $50-100/week)
• Required equipment or uniforms ($100-300)

Financial Aid and Scholarships: Many camps offer need-based financial aid; don’t let the cost deter you from applying. Some options:

• Camp scholarships (apply early, often by January)
• Local service organisations (Rotary, Kiwanis)
• Religious organisations
• Employer benefits (some companies offer camp subsidies)
• Payment plans (many camps offer monthly payments starting in winter)

Explore feedback, connect with families, and evaluate

Camp websites are designed to shine. Real-world insight often comes from parents who’ve sent their kids before. Read detailed reviews across more than one platform. Look for patterns, both positive and negative. Facebook groups for local parents are goldmines for honest camp feedback.

Where to Find Authentic Reviews:

• Google Reviews
• Facebook parent groups
• Common Sense Media
• Camp Ratings
• Direct references from the camp (yes, they’re selected, but call them!)

If possible, talk to a family in your community whose child has attended the camp you’re considering. Ask what surprised them, what their child enjoyed most, whether they would send them back, and critically, what they wish they’d known beforehand. Their answers are often more telling than marketing materials.

Questions to Ask Other Parents:

• How did your child handle the first few days?
• What was communication like with the camp?
• Any surprises (positive or negative)?
• How did your child change after camp?
• What type of kid thrives/struggles there?
• Would you change anything about your preparation?

Finally, trust your instincts. If something feels off in your communication with the director, pay attention. If everything looks great on paper but your child seems uneasy, give it time. The best choice is one that combines research, reflection, and respect for your child’s comfort level.

Preparing your first-time camper for success

Once you’ve chosen a camp, preparation is key to success, especially for young, first-time campers:

3-6 Months Before:

• Start talking positively about camp
• Read books about camp together
• Practice sleepovers with grandparents or friends
• Let them help choose the camp

1-2 Months Before:

• Shop for supplies together (make it exciting!)
• Practice skills they’ll need (making their bed, organising belongings)
• Connect with another camper if possible
• Look at camp photos and videos together

2 Weeks Before:

• Pack together (let them choose special comfort items)
• Write letters ahead to arrive in their first week
• Make a countdown calendar
• Discuss homesickness as regular and temporary

Drop-off Day:

• Keep goodbye short and confident
• Don’t linger if they’re upset (counsellors are trained for this)
• Trust the process
• Plan something nice for yourself!

Making it a memorable experience

The best overnight camps leave a mark that extends past summer. Your child comes home more confident, self-reliant, and energised. They’ll have inside jokes you don’t understand, songs you’ll hear for months, and friendships that might last a lifetime. New friendships form, interests deepen, and memories last.

While the process of selecting the right camp requires effort, the payoff is often profound. When the fit is right, a summer away becomes a milestone in your child’s journey, not just a seasonal activity. It becomes part of their story – their first real taste of independence, their first adventure that’s truly their own.

That bouncing 6-year-old pretending to roast marshmallows? They’re ready for the real thing. And with the right preparation and camp choice, you’re ready to let them go, even if just for a week. The hardest part isn’t choosing the camp; it’s driving away on drop-off day. But when you see their beaming face at pickup, full of stories and already asking to go back next year, you’ll know you made the right choice.

Remember: The goal isn’t to find the perfect camp – it’s to find the perfect camp for YOUR child. Trust yourself, trust them, and trust the process. You’ve got this!

*Collaborative feature post*