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Sleep Away Camp: What You Need to Know

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By The Camp Experts & Teen Summers February 4, 2016
Last week we published an article on frequently asked camp questions, thanks to Debbie Rosen-Alfonso and Joanne Paltrowitz of The Camp Experts & Teen Summers, who have 20+ years of camp experience and knowledge. The Camp Experts & Teen Summers are back to discuss sleep away camp this week.

Are there different types of sleepaway camps?

The basic breakdown of sleepaway camps falls into 3 categories: Traditional Sleepaway Camps, Specialty Summer Camps, and Special Needs Camps.

Traditional Sleepaway Camps are known for providing a wide variety of non-stop fun and action. Days and nights are often packed with activities, such as land and team sports, adventure challenges, arts and crafts, water sports instruction, drama productions and more. These summer camps and teen programs can be either coed, boys’ camps, girls’ camps, or “brother-sister camps,” which are mixed gender yet feature separate campuses and facilities.

Specialty Summer Camps are designed to highlight, develop and enjoy a particular interest, such as performing arts, fine arts, sports, or academic and travel programs. The entire site and camp schedule revolves around the selected pursuit or leisure activity.

Special Needs Camps meet the distinct requirements of a wide range of children. An invigorating and entertaining outdoor summer experience is created for the campers, while also ensuring a beneficial, therapeutic environment.

What factors should I consider when selecting summer overnight camps?

Type of Program: Be sure to clarify the style of daily structure at each camp; the range of program types may astound you! Different children need different levels of structure in order to enjoy camp and thrive. Some camps offer totally flexible programs where campers select the majority of their daily activities. Yet other camps are fully structured, providing an organized pre-determined schedule with a few elective activities mixed in.

Duration: Camp sessions can last anywhere from 1 week to 7 weeks. Sessions that are too short may leave your child disgruntled and longing for more. Sessions that are too long may lead to camp burnout. Think about what amount of time is ideal for your child to have the best summer experience.

Location: Camp environment is linked closely to geographic region. Physical location will often affect physical comfort levels, and not all campers are tough enough to rough it out! Also, keep in mind that while distance from home may be an issue with regard to travel time, it bears little relation to homesickness!

Cost: Traditional sleepaway summer camps range in price from $450 to over $1000 per week. Remember to inquire about ‘extras’, such as laundry, canteen, trips or transportation – they may or may not be included in camp tuition. Specialty summer camps run generally $300 and up.



For complimentary personal assistance in finding the right summer camp for your child's specific interests and needs, contact Debbie Rosen-Alfonso and Joanne Paltrowitz at 201-391-6165 or email.



Disclosure: The Camp Experts & Teen Summers is a sponsor of Macaroni Kid Northeast Bergen