• Summer Camps

Types of camps in Alberta

Alberta offers many different types of summer camps for kids aged 2 to 18. There are traditional overnight camps that every child should experience, as well as day camps throughout the province. Here are some of the more popular types of camps in the province.

Camps near you

To find camps in your city or town, we offer pages focused on cities across the province. Learn more at the following links:

Some other small towns and regions of the province are popular camp destinations. Links below will take you to our advanced search. Discover camps in the following locations:

Important questions for parents

• What steps does the camp take to maximize children’s safety? This is the highest priority for camp owners, directors and staff. For both day and overnight summer camps in Alberta, parents should expect first-aid trained staff and high staff-to-camper ratios (higher than a school environment). Click here for more on staff training and camp safety.
• How are camp staff trained? How is discipline handled in the camp? Some camps have counselors trained in restorative justice or in TRACKS for camps? Find out if they have had to deal with difficult or disruptive kids or teens in the past, and how they have dealt with those problems.
• How much of the day is structured, how much is free-play?
• What is the ratio of leaders and counselors to kids and teens? You may also want to find out how campers are divided into groups and who your child(ren)’s group leader will be. 
• What will my child gain by attending your camp? What are they expected to bring and what will they be taking home?

That’s a brief overview. 

Consult more information in the rest of our guide:

Regulation of summer camps in Alberta

The Alberta Camping Association (ACA) is a provincial organization representing organized summer and youth camps in Alberta.  Each member camp goes through the Standards and Accreditation program that includes a formal accreditation visit once every three years that covers all aspects of camp operations. Parents should be aware that camps are not required to be a part of ACA, and many non-member camps also offer excellent safe and well-run programs that meet or exceed standards.