Should They Stay Or Should They Go?

from Parents Press 2022 Virtual Camp Fair

5 Life Lessons

Should They Stay

or Should They Go?

Day Camp or Overnight Camp.

Deciding between day camp or residential (overnight) camp is one piece of the decision for families. Camp is an experience and not limited to a singular location. Campers can develop the same skills, both hard and soft, whether they’re sleeping away from home or returning to their own beds each night. While there are differences between day and residential camps, above all else, the most important outcome of this decision is finding the right fit for your camper and family.

This begins with knowing your camper. Many overnight camps begin taking campers between ages 7-9 years old. However, some children may be ready at 6 and some others may not be ready at 10. While there is no clear, linear checklist to determine whether day or overnight camp is right for your child, the questions listed here can help guide that conversation: • What is the primary reason for These questions can help wanting to go to camp? begin a dialogue with your family about which camp • Has your child ever spent experience is the best fit multiple nights sleeping away for you. The choice of day from home? versus residential camp is one important aspect of the • What’s your budget for camp? overall decision. But even then, make sure you follow • Can your child bath and dress up with those potential themselves independently? camps. Talk to directors. Ask for tours. Ask for references. • How far away from home do Do your due diligence. In you want your child’s camp the end both you and the experience to be? camp want this summer to be the first of many and • What activities are important to the beginning of a great your camper’s experience? relationship.