Overnight summer camps

Why attend a residential camp?

A primary advantage of overnight camps is that kids have more time to adjust to their surroundings and get comfortable, while honing the learning and growing they do through a range of recreational and educational activities throughout the day into early evening.

With more time to spend on particular interests, overnight camps also provide a chance for kids and teens to become more independent in being away from family and teach them more responsibility for themselves and for others. In addition, this particular type of camp allows kids to develop deeper connections with campers from other cities and parts of the country (or across the world).

Find the right residential camp

Residential camp facilities offer a wide range of activities and programs to suit your child’s needs, either through traditional camps or with a focus in one particular area such as horseback riding, baseball, golf, or tennis. If you're considering an overnight camp and live in the GTA, we suggest you attend the Our Kids Camp Expo held in Toronto every February. At the Camp Expo, you'll be able to meet with 50+ camps, speak with directors and staff and get a real understanding of what camp life is like. RSVP for free tickets now ($10 at the door).

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, the best way to choose a camp is to figure out 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.

Our Kids lists many different residential and overnight camps offering various specializations. Check out the range of options below!