5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Summer Day Camp

There are some great choices out there when it comes to summer day camps. With the benefit of a day full of enriching activities, the possibility of building life-long friendships, and enjoying that quintessential ‘camp’ experience with the added value of sleeping in a familiar bed at the end of the day, it’s no wonder why so many families love sending their kids to day camp during the summer months. Whether you’re searching online or asking friends and family, choosing the right camp can be an undertaking. As you start to narrow your search, here are

5 things to look for when choosing a summer day camp:

1) Programming & Schedule That’s Right for Your Camper: 

Explore the camp’s programming in detail. How are their offerings different from other camps? Is the schedule packed, or is it camper-friendly? Is every moment of the camp day scripted, or will there be time for your camper to take a breath, form relationships, and see the world around them? Understanding the schedule can help you make sure that it’s the right fit for your camper.

2) High-Quality Staffing: 

An important aspect of a summer day camp is the quality of the staff. Make sure to inquire about this as it directly impacts your child’s experience and the amount of personal attention they receive. Some great topics to inquire about are time spent training, what the camper-to-staff ratios are, and how much individual attention that means. Hiring and training mature individuals who love what they do is the mark of a great camp. Great staff members facilitate strong bonds between campers in addition to those formed between campers and staff. Having an amazing team also ensures that camp delivers on its mission and that everyone is set up for success. Most day camps will be able to give you a rundown on their staffing practices if you simply ask. 

3) A Social Environment That Fits Your Camper’s Personality:

What kind of social environment is the camp fostering? What do they stand for? Is it all color war and participation trophies? Do they encourage campers to find reward in building relationships and skills? Depending on your camper’s personality and preferences, you’ll think about sending them to a camp that aligns with their social needs. Some campers thrive in competitive pressure, while others find joy in process-driven activities or simply need a break from sports and other competition. Does the camp divide strictly by gender, or are groups divided by peer group without emphasis on gender? What does their mission say about inclusivity?

4) Accessible Leadership: 

It’s important to build trust with camp decision-makers. Who makes up the leadership team that’s ultimately taking care of your camper? Being able to speak directly with the Camp Director demonstrates a commitment to transparency and a willingness to address your concerns. A direct line of communication can help you make an informed decision and give you peace of mind when searching for the right camp. What about counselors and other team members: will you be able to communicate with them as well? These are all great things to (hopefully) ask a Camp Director before making a commitment. 

5) Organized (& Fun) Transportation: 

We can’t talk about day camps without bringing this one up. For busy working families, catching the bus to and from camp is a must. Organization, communication, and having fun can go a very long way toward turning a bus ride from a chore (for parents AND campers) into a wonderful camp day ritual. So we think it’s important to find out how transportation to and from the camp is organized. Are the bus counselors communicative and trustworthy, and do they like to have fun?! How do they communicate with parents? Are camp’s transportation practices sustainable? Understanding the way they set up their transportation can give valuable insight into how the rest of camp is organized and run.

With all the choices out there for where your camper can spend their summer days, we hope these 5 things to look for in a summer day camp give you lots of good questions to ask when searching for your perfect fit. Happy camping!

The Nature Place is a nature-focused and non-competitive summer experience. Founded in 1985, we have a magnificent 200-acre campus that supports a holistic approach to outdoor, adventure, and artistic programming in an environment that helps each individual find their best self. We bus from NYC, JC/Hoboken, Bergen, and Westchester Counties. Click here to learn more about our unique, multi-week Summer Day Camp Experience. (Or click here to see a sample bus map.)