Disclaimer :: This post contains content sponsored and written by Camp Olympia to share tips on what to look for when selecting a summer camp.

Any summer camp gives kids a chance to get away and enjoy a summer away from home, but how do you know they are getting the most out of their summer camp experience? Summer camp should also give kids a chance to get away from screens and get out into nature to make real connections, have fun, and make new friends. 

To make sure your camper has an amazing time this summer, make sure you look for a camp that:

1. Fosters Friendship

It’s no secret one of the main reasons camp is the highlight of every child’s summer is because he or she gets to see camp friends. Through camp, he or she can meet new people from across the country or even around the world! Campers frequently leave camp feeling like he or she has known those camp friends forever, hanging on to those bonds for years to come. The friendships developed at camp are unique and a key part of how camp is a transformative experience.

To make sure you pick the best camp, look for a camp that attracts campers from all over and provides a variety of engaging activities and traditions to integrate campers and keep them engaged. Campers will return home already excited to go back again the next year!

2. Offers Flexibility

Summer calendars fill up fast, and adding camp to the list can seem difficult for some families. However, there are camps of varying lengths and time commitments, making camp easy to fit into even the busiest summer year after year. Look for camps with both session duration options and a variety of date options spanning the full summer, so you’re able to make a tradition of fitting camp into your schedule each year.

Camp activity flexibility is another area to pay attention to. There’s a camp for everyone. By selecting a camp with activities that your child will enjoy, you are building the ultimate summer filled with his or her favorite things! Most camps will incorporate standard lake and field activities, but for additional growth and personal development, look for a camp that customizes the activity schedule for each camper resulting in the most independence for your camper.

3. Keeps Parents in the Loop

It’s important to feel connected to your kids even while at camp. Many camps provide newsletters and updates to parents, but be sure to look at exactly how it plans to keep you updated on your camper’s status. Some camps offer daily photo drops that let you see photos and updates from your camper while allowing them to stay unplugged and enjoy his or her time. 

4. Hires Quality Counselors 

Safety is a major concern of most parents when it comes to summer camps. Many camps heavily invest in counselor recruitment, drawing from former campers who are camp enthusiasts and can relate to the experience of the campers. Extensive training is a hallmark of camp, as well as oversight from support staff who work year-round to make sure camp runs without a hitch.

Look for certifications from organizations like ACA (American Camp Association) and camper to counselor ratios that are less than six to one so that you can be sure your camper is getting personalized attention and support throughout time at camp.

5. Builds a Community

Even though camp season comes to an end in August when school starts back up, traditions live on! All camps have traditions your campers will bring home, making them feel connected to their favorite place year-round and allowing you to be a part of the fun. Traditions will have your child looking forward to summer vacation!

Look for an established camp that hosts events and get togethers throughout the year to keep your camper engaged and connected with camp friends while bringing you into the camp community yourself.

Ready to take the plunge? Start here!

Camp Olympia is one of Texas’ favorite summer camps. With one-, two-, and three-week sessions and more than 45 activity choices, Camp Olympia is the ultimate overnight camp experience for boys and girls ages six to 16. and keeps  choose their own adventure with activities ranging from wakeboarding and horseback riding to ropes course and golf. 

Located 95 miles north of Houston, Camp Olympia provides the perfect setting for fun and adventure along Lake Livingston in the Pineywoods. Campers make friends and gain independence while building teamwork and leadership skills through a customized camp experience and counselor mentorship. With a 4:1 camper to counselor ratio, campers get individualized support from its all-star group of highly trained counselors.

As a bonus, in addition to just regular summer camp, Camp Olympia also has special programs to further customize your camp experience. First-time campers can test the waters of camp in a week designed specifically for them! SPARK Week is made for first-time campers ages six to nine and is the perfect introduction to sleepaway camp. Junior Golf Academy at Camp Olympia blends superb golf instruction with the fun of summer camp, incorporating lessons and professional instruction time at the beautiful Whispering Pines Golf Club, a top-ranked course in Texas. 

This summer, Camp Olympia is expanding safety precautions for all campers, staff, and families. With upgraded air purification, pre-camp testing, daily wellness checks, and a well-informed staff, Camp Olympia is staying on top of the latest health regulations, accreditation standards and industry guidance so your child gets the summer experience they’ve been waiting for!

For more than 50 years, Camp Olympia has created lasting summer memories for campers and families. Be a part of something special this summer! 

Established in 1968, Camp Olympia is a private, overnight TexasSummer Camp with a boys camp and girls camp for ages six to 16. It is a classic kids summer camp in Texas, offering two-week and three-week sessions for seven- to 16-year-old campers and one-week sessions for six- to nine-year-old campers. The beautiful location on Lake Livingston in Trinity, Texas, is the perfect setting for fun, sun, and adventure!