The very notion of “summer camp” is supposed to conjure breezy, fun-filled days without a care in the world. But for many parents, the idea can summon the complete opposite vibe — particularly when it comes to the planning part.
Entertaining the notion of camp comes with a number of questions for parents, including: What summer camp is best? How do I find out about the options? How is this going to fit in with my work schedule? Does my kid even want to do this? And the kicker: How much is summer camp going to cost?
While summer camp can be a meaningful, additive and unforgettable experience for kids, it’s not right for every child, nor every family. Here, we explore answers to some of the most common summer camp questions parents should consider before signing up their kids.
1. Do I have to send my kid to summer camp?
Summer camp has many potential benefits for kids: It keeps them socially engaged during a long summer break, it keeps their brains stimulated, it teaches them new skills and it keeps their days structured.
But no matter how many parents gush obsessively about their kid’s camp or their own childhood camp experience, it’s not necessarily right for every family — and it’s definitely not a requirement.
“I think today’s parent is almost peer-pressured to believe they should [send their kid to camp] because everyone else seems to be doing it, and it seems like a plus for them (fun, socializing, preventing the academic summer slump) and you (sweet, sweet free time),” says parent Serena Dorman, founder of the parenting humor blog Mommy Cusses. “But at the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong.”
And sure, she acknowledges, feeling confident in your choice is easier said than done — but it’s important to lower the pressure on yourself. “Ditch the mom guilt. Seriously. You’re doing the best you can,” she says. “No one is going to therapy because they didn’t get to rub sticks together to make fire or whatever.”
2. Does my kid really even want to go to summer camp (and if not, should I force it)?
Licensed professional counselor Sandra Henderson reminds parents to consider the wishes of their children in this process, too; their opinions do matter. “While it would seem to be a good idea to encourage [camp] to help your child learn about socialization, also take into consideration if it is something they would wholeheartedly do,” she says. “Keep in mind that pushing kids to do things they greatly oppose could lead to unappreciated and traumatic experiences.”
3. Can we afford summer camp?
If you do want your kid to go to camp, but think you can’t afford it, you may be surprised to find that some camps’ stated prices are a jumping-off point.
“A lot of camps will offer vouchers or scholarship options,” explains Taylor Vecchio, founder of the STEM-focused Splat Camp in Brooklyn. “At Splat camp, we introduced a pay-what-you-can model and pay-it-forward plan so parents could anonymously sponsor scholarships for kids who couldn’t afford the full tuition. We had a lot of parents who were happy to pay, but just couldn’t do the full amount. I’d suggest asking your local camp if they have an option like this or if they’d be willing to try it out.”
For more affordable ideas, check out our roundup of free or cheap summer camp options.
4. How will this camp fit in with my work schedule?
The typical school day in the U.S. doesn’t exactly line up with the typical 9-5 job schedule, but at least it’s generally consistent — whereas irregular camp schedules can pose a major challenge for working parents.
If sending your kids to camp will throw off your work schedule and make you miserable, don’t do it. “You have to do what’s best for you and your fam, because if you do something that causes tension, you’re going to be unhappy and that’s going to carry over to everything else,” Dorman advises.
Or, if it’s feasible for you to work remotely, consider a plan that might help you stay on the job while your kids get a change of scenery and a modified camp experience. “I think it is important for young kids to spend more time doing outdoor activities in the summer. I live in New York City, and summer camp is extremely expensive,” explains health expert and twin mom Joanna Wen, who blogs at Spices and Greens. “As an alternative, I plan to spend this summer by combining our vacation time with a few more weeks of remote-working time traveling upstate. We will sign the kids up for camp up there where the price is much more reasonable. I think this is a win-win for the whole family!”
5. What are the camp alternatives?
If camp just isn’t possible or desirable for any reason, there are plenty of other ways to get your kids the flavor of the experience.
Sarah Miller, a teacher and the founder of the homeschooling resource platform Homeschooling 4 Him, explains that families who work full time and need all-day child care don’t need to miss out on a camp-like experience for their kids. Families should consider asking their child’s nanny or sitter to plan some fun camp experiences: “Instead of a STEM camp, for example, a nanny could plan to take kids to several different hands-on science museums throughout the summer. Many of the same places that offer summer camps also offer events throughout the summer that could be included as a part of a regular child care arrangement.”
You may also access low-cost or free summer enrichment programs through many public school systems around the country, often staffed by teachers. Libraries and museums also offer tons of free programs.
Online summer camps and other virtual activities are also an alternative to in-person ones. They’re offered in abundance and these can mitigate the financial and logistical commitments parents face with in-person camp experiences.
And you know what? It’s perfectly OK to do none of those structured things at all. “I’m looking forward to a summer for my kids that looked a lot like mine,” Dorman says. “Stargazing, backyard camping, running through the sprinklers and family activities like board games. I try to make sure my son reads often, and it seems that most teachers echo that that’s enough. Kids need a break just like we do.”
