Day camp

Day camps also known as summer camps in some areas, are geared for those who are of school age. They offer activities in a social setting, usually in the community and the children return home in the evenings. Day camps can be booked by the day or by the week, or month depending on the institution organizing them.

Format

Day camps can focus on topics such as art, music, science, nature or sports, although caregivers can use it as a substitute for daycare. Many families must enroll their children in day camps during the summer so that they have supervision during the day. Camps can foster children's emotional, social, and physical and creative growth through a range of interactive activities and relationships with role model counselors. Generally camps focus on children with the exception of specialized camps that aim to develop specific skill sets which are directed at campers up through adolescence years.

Sports-focused day camps are ideal for younger athletes or for high-energy kids who need a positive outlet for their energy.

Day camps are less expensive than sleepaway camps (e.g., summer camps), because they often do not entail as many or any meals or as much supervised time each day. Some day camps are located at the same site as a resident camp with the same resources and activities to serve local campers along with kids from abroad. Many day camps are located in city parks, sport complexes, schools or community centers such as a YMCA or Boy Scouts or by government organizations.