Is it better in general to do a lot of different camps or try to stay at the same one all summer?

[Anonymous]

I get nervous committing to the same one all summer, because what if my child doesn't like it and I'm stuck? There are also so many cool camps to try. On the other hand, I also get nervous about moving from camp to camp.. just seems like a hassle logistically in terms of new routines. I have an early elementary student, if that matters. What does DCUM think?

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on tg child. Mine does best in a stable environment, not constantly changing. We chose one with longer sessions and are doing it all summer. More likely to have the same kids and counselors throughout the summer.

[Anonymous]

We have historically done the same camp all summer and I paid a lot for it and it was a "good" camp with things like STEM, swim lessons, enrichment, etc. The con was a 20-30 minute commute.

Last summer with the shorter summer (FCPS) and for other reasons (namely distance) we tried a variety of different camps switching almost weekly. It was fine. My kids liked a few of the camps more than others, which we will do again. I'm not totally sure what we will do this summer but most likely we will not go back to the same camp all summer.

But whatever works for you!

[Anonymous]

In the early camp years, we typically did no more than 2 weeks at a new camp. My kids didn't mind moving around especially since some of those would be with school friends. And, they are broken up by family vacation time.

Eventually, DS found a camp he loved and he'd spend most of the summer there. Since it's popular I couldn't always get in for all the weeks he wanted so he'd have to suck it up and go someplace else with his sister for others. DD continued (and still does) 2-3 weeks at each of 3 camps -- sleepaway, local art camp, local nature camp.

[Anonymous]

I committed my kid to the same camp all summer last year and it was less than ok but not bad. My kid does best with routine but this was just the wrong fit. It is great if it works well but if not, the kid is left to deal with it.

[Anonymous]

We like to mix it up and try new things, although we generally stay pretty close to home in order to avoid a stressful commute. My child is flexible and doesn't mind being in a camp where she doesn't know anyone at first.

[Anonymous]

I have a pre K DD and have gone back and forth on whether to signup for one camp or try several since this will be our first camp experience. As PPs mentioned one camp is great if it works out. In the end I decided on a 6 week camp that has lots of great reviews and lots of different activities and 2 weeks each at 2 other camps.

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on the kid.

We've always done a bunch of camps BUT I like the ones that go for two weeks, so you can get into the same routine for two weeks straight instead of switching in between.

My kid likes to do a lot of different things - art, theater, music, sports, STEM, so we try for a balance of those - 4 weeks of physical activity (basketball, soccer, dance, swim, etc), 4 weeks of arts, 1-2 weeks science.

The bonus of trying more than one camp is that you get the lay of the land at more places for next year. The downside can be that many camps have registration fees that are cheaper when you spread them between 2 or more weeks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it depends on the kid.

We've always done a bunch of camps BUT I like the ones that go for two weeks, so you can get into the same routine for two weeks straight instead of switching in between.

My kid likes to do a lot of different things - art, theater, music, sports, STEM, so we try for a balance of those - 4 weeks of physical activity (basketball, soccer, dance, swim, etc), 4 weeks of arts, 1-2 weeks science.

The bonus of trying more than one camp is that you get the lay of the land at more places for next year. The downside can be that many camps have registration fees that are cheaper when you spread them between 2 or more weeks.

Are you in DC? I’ve never come across a camp that offers 2 week sessions or a discount on only 2 weeks.

My kids normally move around, but they’re pretty easygoing now. When my oldest was younger (PK3-1st) she just did one camp:

[Anonymous]

We split half and half between 2 camps, because my DD is just not good with change/transition, but 8 weeks in one place got boring the one year we tried it(I think some camps are better than others about week to week variety).

[Anonymous]

We do one day camp and then a 2 week sleepaway camp. Stability is important to my kids.

[Anonymous]

One of my kids is anxious and wouldn't want to move around. First day is hard enough, let alone doing it every week or two all summer. The other one would be able to move around, but it's easier for me to do one drop-off/pick-up. Therefore, we stay at the same place. If the second ever expresses a strong desire for alternatives I'll probably let him move around at some point but so far it hasn't seemed to occur to him.

[Anonymous]

We only have one kid, so that makes it easier. Around age 3-4 she only did one camp (Lowell) all summer. Last year, we mixed it up a bit--one session at Lowell, along with a few weeks of two other camps.

This summer, we're trying several--one session at Lowell, 2 weeks of language camps, along with 1 week each of sports, science, and art camp. Whew. She's on the shy side/slow to warm up, but I think the exposure and practice with transitions might be good for her. We'll see.

[Anonymous]

22:32 - we're in Arlington. It's not so much a discount on two weeks, but some of the camps have a registration fee just to register. So if I can choose between paying $40 to register for 2 weeks of Camp X vs. $40 for 1 week of camp X and another $35 for 1 week of camp y, doing two weeks at the same camp saves that second registration fee.

Lots of camps have two week sessions. YMCA general day camps and aquatics camps are mostly two weeks. County art camps are two week sessions. Most of the theater camps do two-week sessions. Levine School of Music does two three-week sessions. Alternately, you can just sign up for two weeks in a row at the same camp.

[Anonymous]

I like trying different camps for our children ages (7 & 8). I try to mix it up with art, STEM and sports. Anyone have stellar summer camps they recommend? We did not like our public school camp. Tried Lifetime Fitness camp, and my kids are so bored of it. They seem to love the Gymnastics camp the most and Tennis camp second. Any other recommendations truly appreciated!