Signing Up for Summer Camp: 7 Tips from a Mom and Camp Director

Whether it is your first summer, or 5th summer, signing your child up for camps never gets all that much easier.

When people find out I am a summer camp director, they often share how challenging and frustrating camp registration is. As a fellow parent, I understand firsthand that signing your child up for summer camp can feel like a part-time job! It often requires meticulous planning and spreadsheets just to keep track of all the essential details and registration dates. So, as a camp director AND a mom, I have put together a list of tips to make the process smoother,

#1. Start early!

Start your research early! I would suggest starting to look between November and December so that you can be ahead of registration and have a better chance of securing a spot. Our camp registration this year was a lottery, and it opened on January 2nd and closed on January 12th. The worst feeling is finding the PERFECT summer camp for your child, only to realize you missed the boat on registration.

#2. What are they interested in?

In my opinion, one of the most important things when enrolling in a summer camp is making sure the child's interest aligns with the camp's activities. Often, children are registered for our camps simply because it fits conveniently with their childcare needs for that week, or because their sister's camp is nearby. However, the child may have no interest in fishing or the camp's focus that week, which can lead to a challenging experience for both the camper and the camp.

#3. Do you need childcare all summer, or are you looking for enrichment here and there throughout the summer?

If you require childcare throughout the summer, I would suggest looking into camps that have multiple-week sessions. Park & Rec departments and YMCA camps are excellent options to explore for such camps. This approach simplifies the registration process, eliminating the need for a spreadsheet or a camp calendar to track your child(ren)'s location each week. Additionally, your child will benefit by becoming accustomed to the routine, the counselors, and the fellow campers.

If you are looking for enrichment activities, a way to get the kids out of the house a few times over the summer, then look into the more specialized camps that revolve around the interest your kids have ( e.g. Fishing, dancing, horseback riding, sports camp).

#3. Where is the camp located?

If both parents work during the summer, it's important to know where the camp is located, as well as the camp's drop-off and pick-up schedule. Some camps offer before and after care for an extra charge. You might also inquire with the camp to find out if anyone from your area is registered. I've sent many emails on behalf of parents to other camp families to see if anyone is interested in carpooling. So, don't hesitate to ask.

#4. Make sure to know the cancelation policy.

Planning for the summertime in the middle of winter is no easy task. Plans always change. Make sure you know what fees you’ll have to pay if you cancel, or when the cancelation cut-off date is. Most camps have a window that you can still cancel and receive close to a full refund.

#5. It’s okay to NOT sign up for camp with a friend.

Over the years, I've received numerous emails from parents concerned that their child's friend wasn't placed in the same camp session. As nice as it is to arrive at camp on Monday with your buddy, it isn’t necessary. The real magic at camp is witnessing the formation of friendships.  Camps are ideal for making "camp friends"—friends who don't attend the same school or live nearby, friendships that might not occur otherwise. These connections might last only a week or could develop into long-term friendships. I know people my age who still meet up with their camp friends from middle school. So, I reassure parents that it's fine if their child doesn't have a friend joining them. It's the counselor's responsibility to ensure they leave with new friends, and they will.

#6. Prepare all necessary documents BEFORE the registration day.

Before adopting a camp lottery system, our camps were fully booked just two minutes after registration opened. This is why I advise parents to have all necessary information ready before signing up (such as allergies, medications, emergency contact numbers, doctor numbers, and insurance numbers).

Many camp registration systems now allow you to create an account before registration to give you a head start before the registration date.

Finally, have your credit card in hand so you can complete your checkout as quickly as possible.

#7. Don’t let tuition get in the way of signing your child up for camps.

Finally, please note that if camp tuition is getting in the way of signing your child up for camp, please reach out to the camp. Not every camp has tuition assistance, but many do, and sometimes, all you need to do is ask.

I know that figuring out summer plans (in the winter) is not easy. However, I hope that these tips make it a bit easier.