Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp?

My husband and I met as summer camp counselors at Camp Quien Sabe in Toro Park. He was a counselor to the oldest campers in the WE (work experience) program, and I was a counselor to the youngest campers. We have been married for 17 years and have two sons of our own. For us, overnight summer camp will always be important.

But is your camper ready for summer camp? How will it benefit them, how do you help make it the best experience possible, and how will you choose a camp?

Benefits of Overnight Camp

Former Camp Quien Sabe director, Susie Klinefelter, shared some benefits of an overnight camp experience.

• Campers will make friends, which can build into lifelong friendships. Kids will share an important sense of belonging with their group and will bond through their new memories and experiences.
• Overnight camp is a great opportunity for kids to spend time in nature and get off their screens. They will learn about local flora and fauna, see animals, get fresh air, and exercise.
• Campers will learn important skills at camp. These are varied based on the type of summer camp you choose for your child but can include skills such as building fires, cooking outdoors, and hiking safely. Learning new skills helps build confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

How to Ensure a Happy Camper

Once you’ve decided that overnight camp is for you, you want to make sure your camper has a positive experience away from home.  Klinefelter suggests that children practice sleepovers at friends’ or family member’s houses before trying an overnight camp. She emphasizes, “Sleepaway camp should generally not be the child’s first time away from home.”

• Consider sending a comforting item with them that might help ease possible homesickness, such as a stuffed animal, blanket, or family picture.
• Some camps also offer camp visits or virtual tours prior to the camp experience, so check to see if that is an option if you think that will ease some pre-camp jitters.
• To help your camper stay organized and lessen stress, pack together so your child knows where everything is. Consider using individual bags for each outfit.

Central and Northern California OVERNIGHT CAMPS

• CAMP QUIEN SABE is offered through the City of Monterey and is held at the Toro Regional Park Youth Overnight Area. The camp is over 70 years old, and campers will enjoy swimming in the pool, canoeing in the lake, and sleeping under the stars. Campers ages 7–11 enjoy the regular camp experience, which includes hiking the trails of Toro Park, arts and crafts, and nightly campfire activities. The Environmental Team experience is for 12-year-olds, and the Work Experience program is for campers ages 13–15.
• CAMP OCEAN PINES is an inclusive summer camp in Cambria that was established in 1946. It strives to “accept every child for who they are and help them grow into who they want to be.” Campers stay in an enclosed cabin and have access to 50 different activities from tie-dyeing to kayaking to archery. Teens ages 16–17 can check out the Teen Leadership Program, focused on building skills needed in college, internships, and future jobs.
• STEVENSON SUMMER CAMP offers many many diverse summer experiences for grade levels kindergarten through 12 at their Carmel and Pebble Beach locations. This camp has been providing memorable experiences for campers since the 1970s. Specifically, the Camp at Pebble Beach offers day camp and residential camp experiences for grades 5–8. Campers will be challenged academically and beyond with STEM workshops and art projects. There are also outdoor activities and field trips available.
• CAMP NATOMA has been offering campers in grades 1–11 a rustic camp experience in the Adelaida mountains west of Paso Robles since 1941. Camp Natoma prides itself in providing a quality and safe experience for all campers, which includes archery, drama, geocaching, and more. Campers swim daily and enjoy an interactive campfire experience nightly
• SUMMER AT SANTA CATALINA offers day and overnight camp experiences for girls ages 8–14 at their campus in Monterey. Girls will get to choose their own schedule with classes ranging from cooking, STEM, and arts and crafts. Campers are also given leadership opportunities at all ages, and the Catalina CREW (Confident Resourceful Empowered Women) begins in grade 9.
• KENNOLYN CAMPS has been offering camp experiences in various locations, including their Santa Cruz camp. Children in grades 1–12 have access to various activities, including horse and animal care, diving, guitar, and LEGO building. Campers will sleep in cabins surrounding the Town Square area in a 450-acre area in the Redwood forest.