A summer camp (or sleepaway) camp is a supervised program for children or teenagers conducted during the summer months in some countries. Children and teenagers who attend summer camp are known as campers.

It’s like having a week without parents, where kids are left to problem-solve and make decisions on their own (under the guidance of camp staff, of course). For many, summer camp is the first time kids are spending an extended period of time away from their parents.

Although each child is a unique individual, it’s firmly believed that summer camp is beneficial for all kids. No matter what your child’s interests are, camp helps children develop important social, emotional and cognitive skills. Best of all, children create memories that last a lifetime at camp.

Campers unplug from technology to commune with nature, realising their roles in stewardship of the land. Skills develop throughout camp, both in physical things like swimming, horseback riding, and art and social/emotional things like teamwork, creativity, and self-confidence.

Most Summer Camps start between mid-May and late-June and run for about 9 weeks, although some camps offer alternate length sessions.

Short Sessions  – One and two week camp terms are used to introduce kids to overnight camp.

Mid Length Sessions – 3 to 5 weeks. Many traditional camps with full summer sessions will offer a truncated half summer session (made up of four or three week camp terms).

Full Summer Sessions – 6+ weeks. Full sessions are typically offered by Northeastern camps that have the same campers throughout the entire summer. Some are as long as 10 weeks.