Summer camps, day camps, and themed retreats for kids have become an inseparable part of childhood today. When is the right time to send your child to camp, and which type should you choose so it truly benefits them? Children's camps are not just a proven way to fill the summer or solve the usual childcare problem during holidays. On the contrary—the right camp can be a major milestone in developing hobbies, self-confidence, and making new friends.
1. The right age for camp
The most important criterion isn't chronological age, but emotional maturity and independence. A child should:
- Be able to ask for basic needs (food, hygiene, rest),
- manage getting dressed and taking care of their belongings,
- sleep in an unfamiliar environment (at least for a weekend),
- not have a panic-level fear of separation,
- handle at least a few hours without parents.
The age at which children typically master these skills is around 6–7, but some confident kids are ready earlier, while others only later.
Signs that a child can handle a camp stay include for example:
- Looks forward to a new environment, activities, and new friends.
- Can assert themselves in a group, yet also accept the authority of an unfamiliar adult.
- Is able to solve minor problems without a parent (find a T-shirt, arrange a drink).
- Can choose a camp from the offer by photos, descriptions, or by what they truly want to experience.
- Has no problem staying overnight with relatives, friends, or on a school event.
Different types of camps place different demands on a child's age and emotional maturity:
- One-day or day camps can be attended by children from about 4–5 years old if they are independent.
- Overnight and multi-day themed camps are usually suitable from around 6–7 years; sometimes the minimum age starts at 8 or 9.
- Special “first camps” for beginners are shorter (e.g., 3–5 nights), suitable even for preschoolers.
- Longer, classic children's camps (10–21 days) are recommended for children over 8.
Knowing your particular child is always crucial. Even between siblings readiness may differ and cannot be artificially rushed.
2. Types of children's camps: Which camp to choose by age and interests?
Today's camp offerings are truly diverse—and choosing the right type will greatly affect how much your child enjoys the stay and what they take away from it. Let's look at the options in more detail.
Classic residential camps are typically organized as:
- Tent camps—often in nature, offering adventurous programs (forest games, hikes, night watches), suitable for older, more experienced children.
- Camps with a main building/cabins—more comfort, ideal as a first “longer” camp, also suitable for children with health limitations.
The advantages of residential camps include deeper integration into the group, more opportunities to form friendships, stronger experiences, and a more varied program. However, they require a higher degree of independence, and the child must handle being away from home.
Day camps are great for preschoolers and younger children who are not ready to sleep away from home. The child goes to camp in the morning and returns home in the evening. This type of camp:
- Lets the child try new activities and a peer group without the need to stay overnight.
- Is a common choice when a child is just beginning with separation.
- Offers almost a full day of fun, sports, exploration, trips, and crafts.
- Can be attended by children with special needs as well, provided they have day-to-day support from home.
Basic breakdown of themed camps:
- Sports camps (soccer, dance, gymnastics, cycling, parkour)—suitable for active children who want to develop in a given sport or try something new. Basic knowledge of the field is usually required.
- Language camps—combine active learning of a foreign language with games that turn ordinary learning into play; native speakers often participate.
- Nature and outdoor camps—focus on exploring nature, survival skills, and camping traditions.
- Creative and arts—visual arts, music, cooking, theater camps—give the child space for self-expression, creativity, and working on a shared “project.”
- Technical, robotics, and IT—coding camps, robotics workshops, LEGO builds.
- Experience-based—Native American, medieval, sci-fi, fantasy, with a story and dramatization.
The choice of a themed camp is straightforward when the child already has a specific interest.
Some organizations focus on programs for children with allergies, diabetes, ADHD, or needing educational support. Inclusive camps where children with disabilities and typically developing children attend together are very valuable—they naturally learn respect and solidarity.
3. Benefits of camp for a child's development
One of the greatest benefits of any camp is that it teaches a child to:
- rely on themselves,
- handle everyday difficulties,
- communicate their needs outside the family environment.
Many children “grow up” noticeably after camp—they learn to take better care of personal belongings, not be afraid to talk to adults, get used to a new routine, and often try activities for the first time that they didn’t have the chance to do at home. Being away from home also builds healthy self-confidence and a natural respect for rules and the leaders’ authority.
Camp is ideal for:
- learning to collaborate in a team,
- accepting compromises,
- expanding communication and other skills.
A child meets peers of different ages and personalities here, which is a huge lesson in social functioning. They must learn to share common space, agree on dividing tasks, and handle minor conflicts. The result is often greater tolerance of differences, courage to form new friendships, and preparation for various situations in future life.
One of the most valuable experiences is the chance to build friendships. At the same time, they learn to respect unfamiliar adults, a skill also useful in school life.
Camp usually offers activities a child won’t experience at home—pitching tents, night games, competitions, craft or sports programs, exploring nature, campfire cooking in a pot, and various creative projects. It enriches children not only in practical skills but also in courage in situations where they must overcome their fears (for example, on a nighttime courage walk).
Camps broaden children's horizons—even for those who are not naturally outgoing or athletic. They teach respect, sharing, and courage.
4. How to prepare your child for camp: Practical advice and tips for parents
Even after you’ve chosen the dream camp, a key part remains: preparing your child for an independent stay, addressing their and your own concerns, and of course, packing.
4.1 Communicating with your child: sharing, easing fears, motivation
A child may have mixed feelings about their first camp:
- Give room for all questions, even those that may seem trivial (e.g., “What if I feel homesick?”).
- Explain the daily schedule, show photos or videos from past events, share your own camp memories from childhood.
- Don’t stress the child with your own worries—they often perceive them more strongly than words.
Encourage your child to make new friends (“I can’t wait to hear you’ve made a new friend”) and appreciate their courage in stepping outside familiar surroundings.
4.2 Packing: what to take along, what to leave behind
Packing is an important part of preparation. We recommend packing together with your child—you’ll help them become familiar with their things.
- A typical list includes: day/night clothing for all weather, toiletries, a favorite plush toy or “good-luck charm”, a flashlight, pocket money (up to an agreed amount), a health certificate, and any medications.
- Do not pack overly expensive or unnecessary items (tablet, jewelry, dangerous tools).
Specific focus areas may require special items (sports gear, musical instrument, art supplies).
A children’s camp is a milestone in a child’s life. It allows them to gain their first quality experiences with a new peer group, teaches them to manage everyday details independently, and opens new horizons in interests, friendships, and their relationship to nature.
It’s important that the choice of camp matches the child’s current maturity and interests, that the child can participate in the preparation, and that the organizer meets all safety, health, and educational standards. Check references, communicate with the leaders, equip your child for the trip, and share the experiences afterwards.
Trust that your child will return home happy, with new experiences, stories, and friends. At the same time, you’ll gain some time for yourself.