As a child, summer days seem to stretch on forever, filled with sunshine, adventures, popsicles that melt faster than you can eat them, and evenings spent catching fireflies and riding bikes. Summer has a way of slowing life down just enough to make room for simple joys and unforgettable memories. For many of us, some of our favorite childhood moments happened during those carefree summer months, whether it was swimming, visiting grandparents, camping with family, or spending long days outdoors with friends.
As parents, it’s special to watch our own children experience that same sense of wonder and excitement each summer. We look for opportunities that will help them have fun, try new things, make friends, and grow in confidence. That’s one reason summer camps have remained such a beloved tradition for generations. From neighborhood day camps and VBS to week-long sleepaway adventures, camps offer children a chance to step outside their usual routines, learn new skills, and create memories that often last a lifetime.
Whether you’re considering a traditional sleepaway camp, a local day camp, or a VBS program, there are more options than ever to help children have a meaningful and fun summer experience. Choosing the right fit can feel overwhelming at first, especially when every child, and every family, has different comfort levels and expectations. But understanding the history of summer camps, the different types available, and what children can gain from these experiences can make the decision a little easier.
A Brief History of Summer Camps
Summer camps have been around for well over a century. The earliest organized camps in the United States began in the late 1800s. At the time, many families were moving into growing cities, and parents wanted opportunities for children to spend time outdoors, enjoy fresh air, and learn practical skills.
One of the first organized camps opened in Connecticut in 1861 and focused on outdoor activities and character development. Over time, summer camps expanded across the country and evolved to include sports, arts, academics, faith-based programs, adventure camps, and countless other specialties.
While camps have changed over the years, their core purpose remains the same: helping children grow, learn, and connect through shared experiences.
Different Types of Summer Camps
Today’s families can choose from a wide variety of camp experiences.
Day Camps
Day camps are a great option for younger children or families who prefer that children return home each evening. Activities often include games, crafts, sports, swimming, nature exploration, and field trips.
Sleepaway Camps
Sleepaway camps allow children to stay overnight for several days or even several weeks. Campers often gain independence, build confidence, and form lasting friendships while participating in outdoor adventures, campfires, team activities, and more.
Sports Camps
For children who love athletics, sports camps provide focused instruction in activities such as soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, gymnastics, dance, or cheerleading.
Arts and Creative Camps
These camps may focus on theater, music, visual arts, photography, creative writing, or other artistic pursuits.
STEM Camps
Science, technology, engineering, and math camps have become increasingly popular. Children can explore coding, robotics, engineering challenges, and scientific experiments in a fun environment.
Faith-Based Camps
Many churches and organizations offer camps that combine outdoor recreation with Bible study, worship, and faith development.
Specialty Camps
From horseback riding and wilderness survival to cooking and marine biology, there seems to be a camp for nearly every interest imaginable!
What About VBS?
For some families, VBS is the perfect summer experience.
VBS programs are typically hosted by local churches and usually run for a few days during the summer. Children enjoy lessons, music, crafts, games, snacks, and fellowship in a familiar environment.
For families who aren’t quite ready for overnight camp, VBS can provide many of the same benefits:
- Meeting new friends
- Building confidence
- Learning new skills
- Having fun away from screens
- Developing a sense of community
Many children look forward to VBS all year long, and it can be a wonderful introduction to group activities before trying longer camp programs later on.
When Is a Child Ready for Sleepaway Camp?
This is one of the most common questions parents consider, and the answer is different for every family.
Growing up in the Midwest, most families waited until their children felt comfortable spending several nights away from home and had developed more independence. Where we live now, it seems much more common for elementary-aged children to attend overnight camps, and many children thrive in that environment and eagerly count down the days until camp begins. Personally, my husband and I tend to feel more comfortable waiting until the middle school years before considering an overnight camp. But every child is different, and every family has different comfort levels.
Rather than focusing on a specific age, it may be more helpful to consider questions such as:
- Does my child enjoy sleepovers?
- Can they manage basic self-care independently?
- Do they feel excited about camp?
- Are they able to handle homesickness reasonably well?
- Do they want to go, or do they feel pressured?
A child who is confident and enthusiastic at age eight may be ready before a child who is hesitant at age twelve. Readiness often matters more than age.
Summer Camp Packing List
Packing needs vary depending on the camp, but these essentials are helpful for many programs:
Clothing
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Pajamas
- Underwear and socks
- Sweatshirt or light jacket
- Swimsuit
- Rain jacket
- Closed-toe shoes
- Flip-flops or sandals (if permitted)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush or comb
- Shampoo and body wash
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent
Bedding
- Sleeping bag or bedding (if required)
- Pillow
- Favorite small blanket or comfort item
Extras
- Reusable water bottle
- Flashlight
- Bible or devotional book (for faith-based camps)
- Notebook or journal
- Pre-addressed envelopes and stamps
- Laundry bag
Always check the camp’s packing list before you begin, since many camps have specific requirements and restrictions.
Tips for Parents Sending a Child to Camp
Start Small
If your child is nervous, consider beginning with day camps, VBS, or weekend camps before committing to a full week away.
Talk About Expectations
Discuss what camp will be like, what activities they can expect, and how communication will work while they’re away.
Practice Independence
Encourage children to practice skills such as making their bed, organizing their belongings, showering independently, and managing simple routines.
Avoid Overpacking
Children often do better when they can easily find and manage their belongings.
Expect Some Nerves
Even excited campers may feel nervous before camp begins. That’s completely normal.
Focus on the Adventure
Remind children that trying new things, meeting new friends, and building confidence are all part of the experience.
The Lasting Gift of Camp
Whether your child attends a local VBS, spends their days at a neighborhood camp, or eventually heads off to a week-long sleepaway adventure, summer programs can offer valuable opportunities for growth.
Children learn resilience, responsibility, teamwork, and independence. They discover new interests, make friendships, and create stories they’ll tell for years to come.
The “right” summer experience isn’t necessarily the biggest, longest, or most expensive one. It’s the one that fits your child’s personality, your family’s values, and your comfort level.
And sometimes, the best summer memories begin with something as simple as a week of songs, crafts, and games at or a first camp adventure that helps a child realize they’re capable of more than they ever imagined!