Topic Overview

Many children enjoy day camps and overnight camps. Day camps usually offer activities during school holidays or breaks. These activities may have a special theme, such as basketball or horseback riding. Private homes, local youth centers such as the YMCA, churches, schools, or child care centers for younger children may all offer day camp programs. Some states license day camps and usually include training requirements and behavior guidelines for all staff.

Overnight camps range from one-night sleepovers to a few weeks. They usually involve a trip to a nearby destination, such as forest cabins or a beach. Overnight camps can be accredited by the American Camp Association. For more information, go to www.acacamps.org.

All camps should have written health policies, specialized staff training, and health guidelines. All campers should have a recent health evaluation and immunization record on file. Camp records should include how to contact parents in case of an emergency. And camps should have written information describing their activities and programs.¹