Overnight summer camps

Overnight camp types

Sleepover camps that specialize in an activity give kids and teens a one-of-a-kind opportunity to completely steep themselves in that passion. Take a closer look at the variety of overnight camps and consider the value of attending a camp entirely focused on the following activities:

Camps across the country

Find overnight camps by province: 

To look even closer, many residential or overnight camps are set in a wilderness location where typical days revolve around canoeing, swimming and water sports. The following locations are some typical destinations for families seeking traditional overnight camps:

Search ALL OVERNIGHT CAMPS   

How to find the right camp

Attend the Our Kids Camp Expo in February

Overnight kids' and teens' camps from across the country flock to the annual Toronto camp expo. It's the ideal place to meet camp leaders and representatives face-to-face. Camps have individual booths set up around the expo, where parents can directly address all their questions and concerns to many of the overnight camps found listed above. You get a real feeling for which summer camp will be best for your child. Meet with 50+ of the best camps, speak with directors and camp staff, and register for sessions at discounted rates!  Get your free family tickets today ($10 at the door). 

Questions to ask camps

Here are some things to consider when deciding if your child is ready for an overnight camp:

• Is your child comfortable attending sleepovers at a relative’s or friend’s home?
• Can your child wash and dress independently, and keep track of his or her belongings?
• Does your child have a friend or relative attending the camp during the same session?
• Is your child flexible about new routines, like coping with mealtime away from home or being exposed to unfamiliar food?
• If your child is emotionally insecure or if major changes are underway at home, now may not be the best time for overnight camp.
• If your child has difficulty sleeping through the night, it’s likely best to wait until a regular sleep pattern is well established.
• If your child wets the bed, explain that he or she is not alone and that most camps offer help, support and discreet handling of this issue, then speak with the camp director.
• Does your child have a friend going to camp at the same time?
• Consider the age and maturity level of your child.

Once you've decided that your child is ready for this type of experience, decide what factors are most important to your family (location, types of programs, cost, etc.), start your research early, involve your child in the process, talk to other parents, and visit the camp websites or the camps themselves to get as much information as possible.

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