Day Camp Vs. Overnight Camp

When looking at all your options for boys summer camp and which one will be the best fit for your son, one of the biggest factors you’ll have to consider is whether you want to send him to a day camp or an overnight camp. For some boys, the thought of staying away from home and sleeping in a strange place is terrifying, yet for others, it is an adventure they can’t wait to experience for themselves.

When children spend a few days away from home at a summer camp with other kids around their age, they are placed in a major growing experience. Something about being away from home, family, and what they are comfortable with for an extended period of time creates an atmosphere in which they can begin to mature and develop a sense of independence, all while boosting their self-esteem.

If you are trying to decide between sending your son to a day camp or an overnight camp, here are a few differences to take into consideration when making the decision.

Price

When considering your options, it should come as no surprise that the cost of overnight camp is going to be substantially higher than day camp. Overnight camps also include the cost of room and board, meals, and overnight staff throughout the duration of camp. If you feel your child would benefit from an overnight camp, don’t be discouraged by the higher cost. Most camps offer scholarships and financial assistance to help cover the cost of camp.

Convenience

Day camps provide campers with the convenience of going home to their own home and bed at the end of a long, fun-filled day. On the other hand, overnight camps provide parents with the greater convenience of not having to arrange carpool or transportation to and from camp every day, packing a lunch, etc. on top of their regular parental duties when their child returns from camp each night. Parents have fewer disruptions to their daily schedule when children attend an overnight camp.

Benefits

Whether you decide to send your child to a day camp or an overnight camp, there are going to be some benefits either way. At either type of camp, participants will be exposed to opportunities that allow them to socialize and interact with other campers, exercise, make decisions for themselves, and try new activities that they might not otherwise be able to try. In addition, both day and overnight camps have their own benefits.

Day Camps

• Ability to go home at the end of the day: Some children are not yet ready to stay away from home. This is where day camps really shine, as they provide campers with a great camp experience during the day and the ability to return home after a fun-filled day at camp.
• Easy going: Most overnight camps are designed to keep campers busy all day and night, right up until bedtime. While this type of structure is great for some, others may prefer a more laid-back experience that allows them to participate in camp activities throughout the day, but go home and relax in the evenings.

Overnight Camps

• Personal growth: overnight camps provide a fun and safe environment, where campers are able to experience being away from home for an extended period of time. This, in turn, provides them with an invaluable growth opportunity as they are able to make decisions for themselves and experience a sense of independence.

It is important to remember when considering all your options for camp that the point of sending your son to a boys summer camp is for him to have a positive experience. Camp should be something he looks forward to and can learn and grow from. A child’s first experience with an overnight camp is a big step, which is why it is important that you take all factors into consideration, before deciding on a camp for your son.