What is the Appropriate Duration of Stay for First Time Campers?

Summer Camp and Duration of Stay: How Many Weeks is Best for First Time Campers?

While some day camps that offer short stays of two to four days, accept children as young as five, most traditional summer camps with two week or longer durations set a minimum age guideline of seven or eight. The reason for an minimum age restriction is that summer camp administrators have learned through experience that younger children pose far more challenges related to seperation anxiety and home sickness. Individual camps may show some flexibilty if you can make the case that your child is mature beyond their years but they tend to stick to a minimum age requirement based on the averages and past experience.

If the camp you are considering only offers a lengthy session such as 4-8 weeks you need to consider your child’s ability to cope with being away from home for that length of time … does your child have any experience with extended visits away from home? … have you encountered any problems when your child has stayed with friends or relatives?

Remember that most camps with long sessions offer generous family visit policies and some camps even conduct interviews with prospective campers to gauge their readiness for an extended stay. The funny thing is that more often than not despite our misgivings the children end up having so much fun in meeting new friends and experiencing new activities that they are reluctant to leave when camp wraps up.

We usually suggest that first time campers attend for two weeks if possible and as they age and gain experience the duration can be extended in the following years. We understand that these options may not be available in all cases and suggest this as a guideline for your own situation and available camp durations offerred.

Tip for Parents

Make an effort as a parent to encourage positive expectations about camp in your children’s mind. Try to include them in researching camps and give them an active role in choosing the camp along with you. Try to get as much information about the camp and the activities beforehand so your child has a good idea of what to expect, thereby reducing uncertainty and apprehension in their expectations.