Over 14 million kids nationwide go to summer camps each year. These camps are a mix of day camps, short-term, and all summer long adventures that offer a multitude of enrichments for all attendees.
However, there isn't just one camp to book or one consideration (i.e., price) to think about when it comes to booking summer camps, and if you want your child to have the best time and for your money to be well spent. We have 5 mistakes you really need to avoid when you book up for the coming year's summer camp.
Let's take a closer look.
Delaying Bookings Till “Closer to Summer”
A classic one. Leaving things until closer to the time is a poor decision. The thing is, these spaces don't hang around, and if you're waiting till August, you'll be out of luck. The best camps and spots are gone by spring, and many parents underestimate just how early popular camps sell out. This is especially applicable for multi-activity and full-day options that align with standard working hours. Waiting “to see” will lead to missed opportunities and disappointments.
Early booking isn't about enthusiasm. It's about access, it's about securing the spots you need, and even taking advantage of early bird booking prices to secure places. And if you miss these windows, not only might the camp be sold out, but you'll be paying more for the same thing. So avoid the waitlist gamble, get in there early, and lock in plans around camp, not the other way round.
Ignoring Programme Fit and Focusing Only on Dates
Choosing a company purely on the best dates alone is a recipe for a disappointed child. It saves money for unhappy kids and is just poor decision-making.
Activity mix at the camp matters more than most parents realise. What you book tends to align with what your child is happy to do and their interests. Not all kids want an outdoor adrenaline camp, and not all kids want a creative camp or one dedicated to STEM fun. You need to balance your choice based on what works for your child. Children who need physical stimulation won't do well in a camp that requires them to be still and sedentary.
This is where taking the time to read beyond the restrictions comes into play. The more you know about what each different camp offers, the more you can work out if it's what your child or children will benefit from. You need the right activities, age group, and daily breakdowns for it to be beneficial. Whether you choose a multi-activity camp like Got Game Summer Camp or you're choosing one with a single-focus environment, know what you're booking. Check your child is happy, then book.
Overlooking Daily Logistics
If your camp is a daily one, not a residential one, then you need to make sure it works for your life. Especially if you're commuting around camp times. You need to consider things like parking, commuting to the camp from home, then camp to work, and back again at the end of the day. You need to understand drop-off windows and what impact that has on your schedules. Because when you add in traffic variability, the margin for errors reduces drastically.
Pay attention to drop-off and pick-up rules before booking, understand staggered arrival times, ID requirements, sign-out queues, or restricted access points. All of these factors can impact your daily logistics, even if just one is out of alignment. And don't overlook any sibling scheduling if they have different camps or schedules for the day. Can you reasonably manage to get people where they need to go and for you to get to work if you're having to work that day?
Don't just map the route, then run it in very similar conditions. Not when it's quiet, the times you'll be doing this. This gives you an idea of the type of traffic to plan your logistics more easily.
Assuming Full Day Coverage with Scheduling
Not all camps run on the same timetables or schedules, and assuming full day means a certain time frame will lead to crossed wires and disappointed kids.
Some camps define a full day as 6 hours per day, excluding early drop-off and late pick-up unless paid for separately. And many parents find this out too late, as they didn't check properly beforehand.
There's no one rule that states when a full or half day should begin and end, and all camps have their own rules.
Some camps might offer extended hours for an add-on cost, others won't. Some apply penalties for missing collection times or in the event of repeated lateness. It's not uniform, so read the small print to understand what happens in these scenarios and what is expected of you.
Skipping the Policy and Cancellation Terms
This might not be your first thought when you book. Sometimes life throws curveballs, and you might need to know where you stand if you need to cancel or to know what the terms of attendance are.
If plans change, illness hits, or anything comes up, is the camp flexible? Will you get a deposit back or a full refund? Some offer partial credits, others lock fees once booked, and you are liable for the full amount.
Instead of skipping this part, know beforehand, if possible, what the policy terms are. Missed days might not be refundable, and you might only be allowed to transfer or lose the booking entirely, and you still have to pay for it.
This becomes even more important if you're booking for longer periods, not just random days here and there, and especially if your child is going away to camp for a prolonged period. You need to know what happens in the event of unexpected changes.
Summer camps are great ways to juggle children being off school, work commitments, and to keep idle kids from getting bored. But even making just one mistake can land you in hot water, and no one wants that.
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