An age-by-age guide to the Best Camp Experience

Summer camps offer more than playtime—they offer transformative experiences that shape a child’s growth and independence while building cherished memories. For each age group and stage of development, kids’ experiences at summer camp have different benefits and considerations.

While San Diego County has a plethora of camp options, think about your child’s unique needs, interests and goals. A first grader’s camp experience should look very different from that of a preteen. Take the following into consideration for each age group:

Early Childhood (ages

4-6)

At this age, summer camps focus on encouraging curiosity and fostering skills (social and otherwise) through playful activities. Camps often offer themed weeks—ranging from nature exploration to arts and crafts—where little ones engage in imaginative play, outdoor adventures and storytelling.

These day camps typically prioritize a nurturing environment that introduces teamwork, sharing and cooperation through fun-filled games and activities.

Important considerations:

Comfort and familiarity : Ensure the camp environment is nurturing and familiar, allowing for a smooth transition. Familiar faces or activities help ease separation anxiety.

Safety measures (important at every age and stage): Verify the camp’s safety protocols, especially regarding supervision, allergies and basic medical needs.

Communication: Choose camps that prioritize communication with parents when needed or requested.

Play-based learning : Look for camps that emphasize play-based learning to nurture curiosity and social skills in a fun and engaging way.

Elementary Kids (ages 7-10)

As children step into the elementary years, summer camps offer a broader spectrum of activities. Sports camps are popular, providing fundamental skills training in activities like soccer, basketball, gymnastics or swimming. Adventure camps introduce thrilling experiences that include rock climbing, ziplining and camping, encouraging a sense of courage, confidence and resilience.

Specialized camps also emerge at this age, catering to specific interests such as coding, robotics or theater. Camp is a great way to nurture budding passions and talents or explore new ones. Teambuilding activities and structured games further develop social skills and cooperation among peers as developing relationships becomes more important.

Important considerations:

Interest alignment : At this age, include children in the decisionmaking process and discussion of hobbies/sports they’re interested in or passionate about.

Balanced activities: Seek a balance between structured activities and free time for social interaction and personal exploration.

Friendship opportunities: Ask if the camp facilitates teamwork and bonding among campers through group activities and team sports.

Independence development: Encourage camps that foster independence through small responsibilities and decision-making opportunities.

Preteens (ages 11-13)

Entering the preteen phase, camps focus on honing skills and providing opportunities for personal growth. Leadership camps empower adolescents through workshops, discussions and challenges that cultivate self-confidence and decision-making abilities. Wilderness camps push boundaries with outdoor excursions, fostering independence and resilience through survival skills and exploration.

Creative arts camps delve into various art forms, offering more specialized instruction and advanced techniques to develop talent and encourage self-expression. Individual growth and the ability to develop strong friendships is essential at this age. Important considerations:

Challenges and growth: Look for camps offering appropriate challenges that encourage personal growth and selfconfidence.

Specialized interests: Consider specialized camps that cater to your child’s interests and talents, providing opportunities for skill development.

Communication and support: Ensure the camp has mechanisms that support preteens navigating social dynamics and offer open communication with counselors.

Balance and rest : Acknowledge the importance of downtime amidst more intensive activities to prevent burnout.

Teens (ages 14-17)

The teen years mark a shift towards more immersive and specialized experiences. High schoolers can opt for camps tailored to their career interests or college goals, such as STEM camps, journalism workshops or entrepreneurship programs, providing hands-on experiences and mentorship.

Overnight adventure camps for teens include wilderness expeditions, whitewater rafting and international travel programs. These experiences challenge teens physically and mentally, fostering resilience, adaptability and a global perspective. Community service camps allow teens to contribute meaningfully through volunteer work, promoting empathy and social responsibility.

The social component is essential for teens, but it can take on different forms. While some kids enjoy a teambuilding extroverted camp experience, others prefer programs that focus on independent growth or learning a new skill. Make sure your teen is comfortable with the level of social interaction offered.

Important considerations:

Goal alignment: Select camps that align with your teen’s future goals or career interests for a more focused experience. Or, if your hard-working student needs a break, look for a more relaxed experience doing something completely out of the ordinary.

Independence and responsibility : Encourage camps that promote independence and responsibility, allowing teens to make decisions and navigate challenges.

Mentorship and guidance: Look for programs with experienced mentors or instructors who can provide guidance and support to teens exploring their passions. You never know where they may find the perfect person to write a recommendation letter for a college application.

Community impact: Consider camps that involve community service or global initiatives to instill a sense of social responsibility and global awareness.

Did you miss our article about preteens and teens becoming summer camp counselors? Find great tips and local programs at www.sandiegofamily. com/resources/summer-camps-andprograms/counselor-in-training.

The Best Camp Experience

Regardless of age, summer camps serve as transformative spaces where children and teens develop essential life skills, forge lasting friendships and create cherished memories. As your family explores and chooses camp experiences for every age, consider your child’s evolving needs for the best camp experience. v

Rebecca Hastings is a freelance writer.