mother and daughter look at computer

Time to Plan for Summer Camp: A Parent’s Guide

words by CharlottesvilleFamily Editors

As winter gives way to spring, it’s the perfect time to start planning for summer camp. Whether your child is a first-time camper or a seasoned pro, summer camp offers the chance to build lifelong memories, learn new skills, and make friends. With options ranging from day camps in Charlottesville to overnight experiences across Virginia, there’s a wonderful summer camp in Charlottesville or beyond for every family to explore. You can even come meet the camp directors in person at our CharlottesvilleFamily KidFest & Camp Expo!

Why Summer Camp Matters

According to the American Camp Association (ACA), more than 14 million children and adults attend camp each year in the U.S. Camp programs are designed to provide children with opportunities for personal growth, independence, and social connection. In fact, the ACA reports that 96% of campers say camp helped them make new friends, and 92% say camp helped them feel good about themselves.

In today’s digital age, these experiences are more valuable than ever. Dr. Tom Rosenberg, president of the ACA, shares, “Camp provides kids with a screen-free environment that fosters creativity, teamwork, and resilience.”

Choosing the Right Camp for Your Family

With countless camp options available, how do you find the perfect fit for your child? Start by considering their interests, comfort level, and personality. Here are a few categories to explore:

  1. Day Camps: Ideal for younger children or those new to the camp experience. Local programs in Charlottesville often include arts, sports, STEM, and nature exploration.
  2. Specialty Camps: Focused on specific interests like robotics, horseback riding, or theater, these camps cater to budding enthusiasts.
  3. Overnight Camps: These immersive experiences help older children and teens build independence and deepen friendships. Many camps in Virginia, like Camp Horizons in Harrisonburg, offer a variety of activities in a supportive environment.

“At Camp Horizons, we focus on helping campers step out of their comfort zones and discover their strengths, whether they’re scaling the climbing wall or learning a new skill like archery,” says the Camp Horizons team.

For more advice, check out Tips to Help You Choose a Summer Camp on CharlottesvilleFamily’s website.

Oakland camp
Courtesy of Oakland School Camp

Tips for Preparing Your Camper

  1. Involve Them in the Process: Let your child help choose their camp, pack their bags, and get excited about their summer adventure.
  2. Practice Independence: Teach skills like making their bed, organizing their belongings, or managing daily routines to build confidence.
  3. Stay Informed: Many camps have pre-summer orientations or meet-the-staff events. Take advantage of these to ease first-day jitters.

For a step-by-step timeline, visit the Summer Camp Countdown to ensure a stress-free planning process.

Benefits That Last a Lifetime

Beyond the fun and games, summer camp can have a lasting impact on your child’s development. Research shows that children who attend camp grow in their ability to problem-solve, work in teams, and communicate effectively. These skills translate into better academic performance and stronger social connections back home.

Start Planning Today

Spaces fill up quickly, especially for popular programs, so now is the time to explore your options. Visit the ACA’s Find a Camp tool for accredited camps, and explore local opportunities at the CharlottesvilleFamily Camp Expo to connect with area camps directly.

This summer, give your child the gift of adventure, growth, and lifelong memories at camp. With thoughtful planning, your family can look forward to a summer filled with discovery and fun!  Plan your child’s perfect camp experience by attending the CharlottesvilleFamily Camp Expo and discovering exciting local opportunities.

OUR CHARLOTTESVILLEFAMILY EDITORS are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with the school fun fair and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.

 

Town & country living at its best! CharlottesvilleFamily Life & Home is an award-winning magazine dedicated to Making Parenting Easier & Growing Up Fun! We create engaging stories on parenting, schools, staying healthy, the arts, home design, local leaders and all the best events. Building community since 1998.