Choosing the Right Summer Camp for Kids

You’ve decided that camp is the perfect environment for your child to spend their summer safely. Great choice!

Now, you’ll have to choose the right summer camp. The issue you might encounter is the sheer number of camps out there. Should you go with a traditional camp or a specialty camp? Would your child prefer a sports camp or an educational camp?

This can be a tough decision, and while it’s true that only you know your child’s needs, we can help by outlining all the options on the table.

Here are the most common summer camp types you need to know.

Day Camps

As the name suggests, day camps nurture kids during the day, just like school. Once evening arrives, campers will head home to spend time with their families after an exciting day at camp.
Day camps offer many different programs, from sports to sciences. Some of these camps also provide multi-sport or multi-interest camps for kids who can’t decide on one specific program.

These camps are great for kids to build independence and to allow children to participate in other activities in the evenings like club sports teams.  Older children may prefer a day camp as well because they want to spend time with their school friends in the evenings. 

Day camp is an excellent option for parents and guardians who want to check in with their child each night and hear about how things are going. This is the model we use for our campers at Future Stars.

Overnight Camps 

In contrast to day camps, overnight camps will keep kids on-location for the duration of the camp experience. Overnight camps typically offer a wide selection of activities for children to participate in during their stay, but some specialized camps may offer programs targeting only one type.

Although it might not be for every child, overnight camps are great for building independence and getting children more comfortable being away from their parents. 

Specialized Sports Camps

Specialized sports camps help your child target and hone specific skills. Children sign up for a sport they’re interested in and participate in drills, learning fundamentals, scrimmages—and everything in between.

These camps are great for children who know exactly what sport they want to play or learn. For newcomers, they’ll learn the fundamentals and rules of a brand new sport while developing self-confidence to play in a league or tryout for their school team. Meanwhile, veterans can return to their craft and keep up with more advanced techniques while striving to take their skills to the next level. 

Many sports programs at summer camps won’t just have campers playing that sport all day, though. There are typically cool-off periods or recreational periods for kids to run around and have a physical and mental break.

As a parent, it is important to consider if your child wants a break from a sport they already play at a high level. Participating in a different sport helps avoid overuse injuries and gives a child a chance to develop skills in a sport in which they have less experience. 

Alternatively, some children appreciate playing the sport that they love in a different environment than just with the same team and coaches that they train with during the rest of the year. 

Future Stars offers several specialized sports camps at our various locations, including basketball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, and more.

Multi-Sport Camps

Instead of focusing on one specific sport, a multi-sport camp will have campers participating in various sports throughout the camp period. Each day will see the children participating in a variety of sports. 

This is the ideal camp environment for children who aren’t sure which sport to play and want to try a little bit of everything. It’s also an excellent way for kids to try something new if they end up burnt out on their current sport. 

Art Camps

Summer camp isn't all about sports! Art camps are the perfect camp choice for artistically-inclined kids (or those who want to learn). 

Art camps can focus on the visual arts or performing arts. Creative kids can truly shine at art camp, pursuing their passions and meeting new, like-minded friends.

For parents and guardians who are worried about exercise, don't worry! Most camps that aren't focused primarily on sports will also have periods for kids to run around and get some much-needed exercise.

Educational Camps

For the curious minds in science and other academics, educational camps give kids an opportunity to try different things and find new interests or dig deeper into subjects that the children love. 

Educational camps cover a wide range of themes, including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Technology
• Math
• 
  Robotics

Whether your child wants to try something new or continue learning about their favorite subjects, educational camps are a perfect choice. 

At Future Stars, we offer STEAM camps, which are camps that support your child’s growth in technology, sciences, robotics, and much more. 

Trying to Pick the Perfect Camp for Your Child?

With so many summer camp options to choose from, it can be tough to keep everything straight and organized. We can help!

Our Camp Comparison Checklist lets you keep track of potential summer camp ideas, from programs to costs and more. Download your copy today!