It’s not difficult to see why kids love summer; being able to spend time outdoors or with friends instead of spending time seated at the desk at school is just one of the reasons.

For many of them, summer camp is a place that combines both time outdoors and people of similar age who often are—or have the potential to become—their friends. According to Statista’s data from August of 2020, nearly a third of parents in the US were planning to or have already sent their children to a summer camp.

According to Wild Packs, those looking for a summer camp in the US can choose from over 3,500 options, the majority of which—nearly 470—are reportedly located in California. The Golden State is followed by New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Massachusetts respectively.

With thousands of camps to choose from, it can be difficult to find the one, as it has to meet the expectations of both the child as well as the parents. Research on summer camps from the perspective of participants and organizers found that an attractive program—which has to be skillfully designed to satisfy both of said parties—is one of the main things that helps people choose the right one for them.

The study also found that when children establish a good relationship with the camp’s staff, they are more likely to enjoy their time there and make nice memories. And it seems that as long as the connection with the personnel is strong, neither the children nor the parents care too much about the staff’s qualifications. (Though, camp operators know how crucial qualified staff is for the success of the camp.)

According to the American Camp Association, the most popular length of a summer camp is one week or less, yet there are operators who organize them up to two months long.

No matter the length, though, camps can provide children and young adults with invaluable life lessons and unforgettable experiences. In addition to the friends and the activities that a summer camp experience typically entails, attendees also have the chance to acquire certain skills and boost their confidence.

In a piece titled ‘The camp sent you home a 'new' kid. Here's how to keep him that way’, Joanne Kates, the Director of Camp Arowhon in Algonquin Park and a columnist for Globe & Mail, revealed that once their kid comes back from a summer camp, many parents say they are more confident and resourceful.

“After all, at camp kids set and clear their tables, they clean their cabins, they get themselves to activities on time (wearing the right clothes and with their life jacket or canoe paddle or riding helmet), they fill and empty their own laundry bags,” the director pointed out.

The expert continued to suggest that camps aim to teach children to be tolerant, inclusive and respectful of others. During the week or however long they stay in the summer camp, they are mentored and expected to grow their social skills, which often results in quite a significant positive change.

Research on how summer programs influence outcomes for children and youth found that summer camps can be designed to have a strong positive impact on their safety, their physical and mental health as well as social and emotional development, and their academic learning.

If you’ve ever been to a summer camp yourself—or have picked up your over-the-moon child from one—you know firsthand just how great of an experience a summer camp can be.

But if you belong to the second group, you probably also know just how costly they can be. According to ActivityHero’s 2023 data, parents paid close to $96 dollars a day for a week at day camp, as prices had reportedly increased by more than 12% by said year, which explains quite a few parents’ posts on this list, describing the sacrifices they might have to make in order to afford it.