Eight, for two weeks to start. She has returned every year and is a counselor now ten years later. She did not love the first year FWIW.

I worked at an overnight camp for 11 summers and some of my best friends in the world, I met there. It’s such a great experience and the person asking which camp- there are so many but research them. You won’t regret it

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sent 7 year old last year to trial short 5 nights overnight. Did fine. This summer at 8, will be going to 2 week overnight.

Which camp was that and did you like it ? Did the DC also like it ?

See below. Close to DC and he liked it. This summer we are doing a different camp where minimum is 2 weeks overnight and further away.

https://www.camppuhtok.com/parents

Anonymous wrote:I’ve worked at Girl Scout camp for many years. I wouldn’t ssend a kid until after second grade, and then for a few nights the first time. De

I also worked at GS camp and am sending my daughter after first grade this year. She’ll go for 5 nights (they also have 2 night options), then 12 night camps for rising fourth graders and up.

I’ve worked at Girl Scout camp for many years. I wouldn’t ssend a kid until after second grade, and then for a few nights the first time. De

Anonymous wrote:Sent 7 year old last year to trial short 5 nights overnight. Did fine. This summer at 8, will be going to 2 week overnight.

Which camp was that and did you like it ? Did the DC also like it ?

My kids each went for the first time the summer before 6th grade, so 10 years old.

DS, who is not at all outdoorsy, went to Hidden Meadows on the suggestion of a friend whose son was also going.

DS hated it and never did sleep-away again. DD, who is very outdoorsy, went to the Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies which was absolutely perfect for her. She loved it, went every summer after that, and now works on staff.

We sent our eldest for the first time at age 8 for one week. The past two years, she has gone for two weeks. She loves it - couldn't wait to start going. Our youngest will be 8 soon, but I can't see sending him until he's 9 or 10 - much more of a homebody and has shown no interest.

Our daughter attends Mosh in Maryland.

DS is an only and we started at 7. We think it’s a great way to foster independence and individual responsibility, in addition to group responsibility (cabin chores), encourage adaptability in new and different settings, and build confidence.

Sleep away camp is a terrific experience at a good camp. My kids went starting at 7/8 until they aged out at 15. Look for one that suits your particular kid --different camps are more artsy, sporty, outdoorsy, and others are a general camp that has a mix of activities.