How many kinds of summer camps are there?
There are an amazing variety of summer camps! Camps on OurKids.net offer specialization or activities in over 200 different categories, from acting to ziplining. Whatever your favourite thing to do or learn about, there’s a summer camp for that, listed in the links below.
Summer sports camps
The most popular type of summer camp, sports camps combine physical activity with fun and social time. Many are taught by professional players and coaches as seen in lists linked to below. Find your favourite sport below and find camps that specialize in that sport at the top of the list, and those with this activity further down the list.
Search all SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS
Educational summer camps
Love learning and want to extend that into the summer? Educational summer camps help kids augment learning skills during summer or offer a deep dive into subjects like those listed below. Find your favourite and find a summer camp you'll love.
Search all SUMMER EDUCATION CAMPS
Technology summer camps and programs
You can learn code, play games, or develop new tech interests at the summer camps linked to in the list below. Find your favourite subject and find kids’ camps and teen camps focused on that subject.
Search all COMPUTER AND TECH SUMMER CAMPS
Summer arts camps
Act, dance, perform, sing: whatever your favourite art form, summer camps are the ideal way to indulge in growth, learning, and—of course—fun! Popular arts-related summer camps you should investigate include all of the following activities:
Search all SUMMER ARTS CAMPS
Exceptional needs summer camps
Summer camps linked to below offer specialized curriculum and support for kids with exceptional needs or facing special circumstances. Find your special concern in the list below and find summer camps that will match those needs.
Search all EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS SUMMER CAMPS
More summer camp types available:
How do I find the best summer camps near me?
Our site offers filterable lists of summer camps by city, along with info on how to find the best for you, camp types, and more information for parents in your city:
Search ALL SUMMER CAMPS
What are the benefits of summer camps?
If there’s any hesitancy on your part when it comes to summer camp, here’s a quick reminder of why summer camps give kids an unfair advantage in life:
Kids explore interests in a freeform setting. Summer camps offer a variety of activities, from sports and crafts to science and theater. The environment opens up learning for kids who may feel restricted or inhibited by the more formal setting of school. In addition, camps focus on subjects that are not included in school curriculum or not focused on long enough for some kids. Makerspace summer camps and STEM summer camps are just two examples of the way camp can open up new intellectual creativity. Kids learn something new and often learn new things about themselves.
Summer camp adds to kids’ social circle and experiences. Going to camp is a great way for kids to meet new friends. When you attend specialized programs you meet other kids from the same city or area who share those specialized interests. The camp environment is a non-competitive setting that brings out the best in kids and teens. Overnight summer camps in particular are the place where kids can make deep friendships that can last a lifetime.
Personal growth is inevitable at camp. Summer camp gives kids and teens different opportunities to learn independence, responsibility, and even deeper character traits like social skills, leadership, and generosity. This growth can’t be bought. It might be difficult to measure, but it’s something that parents (and campers) attest to over and over again.
Read all about how camp helps kids develop character.
Camp improves kids’ self esteem and personal confidence. Away from home and parents, kids learn to trust themselves. Situations arise where they discover self-reliance, trust in others—and become trusted by others.
Summer camp increases children’s appreciation of the outdoors and the environment. Camp gets kids off screens and outside. They have a chance to explore nature or even focus on it in environmental summer camps or zoo camps, for example. Overnight camps immerse kids in the natural environment of the Canadian north and leave an impression on kids that can last a lifetime.
Take a full look at all the benefits of summer camp.
How do I register?
Camp registration is simple, with most summer camps offering online sign-up and payment.
- Timing: Overnight camps often require winter registration (November to January) and may prioritize returning campers. Our Kids Camp Expo is annually in February when camps still have spots available. Many camps are booked up by the end of March.
- Costs: Be prepared to pay fees or plan financing. Check for extra costs like supplies, equipment, optional programs, or snacks (e.g., tuck shops).
- Deadlines: Find registration dates on camp profiles or our events page.
Before you register with any camp, make sure you read the fine print on all the camp’s policies.
Also be sure to send in any required documents, e.g. proof of vaccination, signed waivers, etc.
After you register, closely read any emails or other communications the camp sends before the season starts. These emails will include activity schedules, special event notices, and other pertinent information.
What questions should I ask camps?
We recommend attending the annual summer camp expo to learn firsthand about summer camp and meet with camp leaders face-to-face. Over 50 camps represent annually at the expo, sharing stories of the camp experience and putting all your concerns to rest.
Whether at the expo or through inquiring on our website, here are some questions you can ask, to help you choose great camps for your kids:
- What are the takeaways of the camp? What will my child learn?
- How are kids grouped during camp activities?
- How do you deal with discipline issues?
- How do you acclimate new kids to camp?
- How does the camps’ pickup and drop-off time match your own schedule?
Can I get financial assistance for summer camps?
Families can alleviate the burden of paying summer camp costs, and you can find advice on that on the following pages on our site:
Find more tips in our advice section:
