Summer camp can be a wonderful growth experience for kids and teens. But finding the right camp can be a stressful task for parents. The following camp directories will help because they allow you to search for the perfect camping venue by many different criteria. My recommendation? Don't stop at just one directory, because none of them cover all the camp possibilities.
Allen's Guide is divided into ten primary categories, including the usual Day Camps, Residential Camps, and Teen Camps. But they also include Special Needs Programs, Religious Camps, European Camps, and Self Improvement Camps that you might not find listed elsewhere. Special teen-only sections include Hostels, Study Abroad, Student Travel and Summer Jobs.
A few of the unique categories at CampResource.com are Fantasy Summer Camps (such as baseball and rock ‘n roll), Veterinary Science Camps, and Modeling Camps. Their listings can be browsed via category, by use of the drop-down state menu, or from their search form. From their Camp Talk collection of articles, come these words of advice. "Camp should be a refreshing change of pace, surroundings, and atmosphere, providing a wholesome escape from the pressures of school and the distractions of the urban environment. It should not be hectic!"
"Because every child deserves a summer at camp!" In addition to camps in all fifty states, KidsCamps.com lists international camps in dozens of countries (arranged in alphabetic order from Argentina to United Kingdom). Of course the biggest camp categories are Day Camps, Traditional Overnight Camps, and Sports Camps, where you begin by specifying a specific interest, and select a state.
"Summer camps help your child develop character, learn valuable life skills, make new friends and discover new interests." MySummerCamps.com is my pick of the week because of the excellent interface and their extensive listings. Begin your camp search by perusing any of the thirteen categories, which (in addition to the usual kinds of summer camps) include After-School Programs, Winter and Spring Break Programs, and Study Abroad. Geographic searches can be done with a zip code or by clicking on a map region.
Camp listings are divided into eleven categories and are also browseable by state. If you have a list of specific needs (such as a particular sport, activity, or price range) use the search form to drill down into the results. There is also a Camp Tips section that offers suggestions on how to choose a camp and the benefits of summer camping. "As self-esteem develops from learning to be on their own, children continue to try new activities and also engage in one's that they are familiar."
Buy Summer Camp Printable for $2.00
or try a FREE trial of the Printables ClubThe following links are either new discoveries or sites that didn't make it into my newspaper column because of space constraints. Enjoy!
American Camping AssociationCamp Channel | goCamps.comSummer Camp Advice |
Or try our newsletter feed.  Get educational website recommendations in your mailbox every week: Or try our full-content newsletter feed.Our Privacy Pledge: your email address is never shared with anyone. |
Surfnetkids Headline Feed | Newsletter Feed | List of All Surfnetkids Feeds
