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Traditional Summer Camps

Traditional Summer Camps for Kids & Teens

Traditional summer camps, often called overnight camps or sleep-away camps, combine a variety of different sports, arts, learning, and special events activities into one overall amazing summer experience. Whether it's swimming in the pool, swinging for the fences on the baseball diamond, or singing on stage at the talent show, traditional summer camps are the most popular summer pastime for kids and teens.

While all traditional summer camps offer a variety of activities, many do have subtle programming distinctions that make them unique. Some camps offer free-choice scheduling where campers choose their own electives, while other camps offer structured schedules pre-selected by the camp. Some traditional camps focus on sports instruction, while others encourage more arts-based activities. Likewise, some camps promote healthy competition, while others are distinctly non-competitive. Regardless of the program that families choose, summer camps help boys, girls, and teens make friends, build confidence, and enjoy an incredible summer experience in the great outdoors!

Ages, Tuition, and Session Length at Traditional Summer Camps

Overnight traditional summer camps typically accommodate campers between the ages of 7 and 17 (elementary, middle, and high school students in grades 3 through 12). Most programs group campers by age and grade to maximize learning and social opportunities.

Most traditional sleep-away camps run 1 week, 2 week, 3 week, 4 week, and 7 week sessions. The cost of traditional summer camps can vary considerably as most programs can fall anywhere between $250 and $1,500 per week. Traditional summer camps in the Northeast, New England, Mid-Atlantic, and West Coast typically have the highest tuition rates, while camps in the South and Midwest have the lowest rates.

Choosing the Best Traditional Summer Camp

There are many subtle differences that distinguish each traditional camp program. Does the program offer a variety of activities, or do they concentrate on just a few specialties? Does the camp encourage competition, and if so, at what level? Do campers choose their own schedule, or does the camp provide one for them? Do campers receive instruction from professional coaches or college-age students? What is the camp's staff and camper annual return rate? What values does the camp look to instill by the end of the summer? Knowing which program elements will suite your children best is essential to choosing a great traditional camp.

To help match your family with the perfect traditional summer camp, Choice Camps offers free placement advice - just call our office at 617-264-0939 and we'll recommend great programs anywhere in the country that should be a good fit for your kid or teen!

Recommended Traditional Summer Camps

Camp Mataponi - Cumberland, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,466
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Brant Lake Camp - Brant Lake, NY

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,453
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Camp Twin Creeks - Marlinton, WV

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 7-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,379
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Camp Nashoba North - Raymond, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Horseback Riding
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,297
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Camp Equinunk - Equinunk, PA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,316
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Lake of the Woods Camp for Girls - Decatur, MI

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,274
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YMCA Camp Fuller - Wakefield, RI

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,119
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Camp Robindel for Girls - Center Harbor, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,143
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Camp Danbee - Hinsdale, MA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 6-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,160
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Forest Lake Camp - Chestertown, NY

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 8-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,184
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Camp Emerson - Hinsdale, MA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 8-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,206
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Camp Laurel - Mount Vernon, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,218
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Blue Star Camps - Hendersonville, NC

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 6-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,212
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Kingsley Pines Camp - Raymond, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 8-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,208
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Lake Owego Camp - Greeley, PA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,238
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Camp Wicosuta - Hebron, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Fine Arts
  • Camper Ages: 6-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,254
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Waterville Valley Summer Camp - Waterville Valley, NH

  • Camp Type: Sports
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 8-14
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,245
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Camp Wa-Klo - Jaffrey, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Horseback Riding
  • Camper Ages: 6-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,255
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Camp Shohola - Greeley, PA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,242
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JCC Maccabi Camp Kingswood - Bridgton, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 8-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,213
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Rockbrook Camp for Girls - Brevard, NC

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Horseback Riding
  • Camper Ages: 6-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,221
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Camp Fatima - Gilmanton Iron Works, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 5-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,193
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Camp Mah-Kee-Nac - Lenox, MA

  • Camp Type: Sports
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 6-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,200
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Camp Glen Brook - Marlborough, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 8-13
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,192
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Camp Arowhon - Algonquin Park, ON

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,199
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Camp White Pine - Haliburton, ON

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,198
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Camp Friendship - Palmyra, VA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 6-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,193
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Independent Lake Camp - Lakewood, PA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 6-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,189
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Camp Matoaka - Smithfield, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,201
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Moose River Outpost - Jackman, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Outdoor Exploration
  • Camper Ages: 12-18
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,186
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Pine Forest Camp - Rowland, PA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 7-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,196
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Camp Hawkeye - Moultonborough, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Outdoor Exploration
  • Camper Ages: 8-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,178
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Camp Greenbrier for Boys - Alderson, WV

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-18
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,167
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Camp Waziyatah - Waterford, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,170
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Camp Bauercrest - Amesbury, MA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,149
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American Youth Foundation: Camp Merrowvista - Center Tuftonboro, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 8-18
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,144
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Muskoka Woods - Rosseau, ON

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 7-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,162
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Camp Ocean Pines - Cambria, CA

  • Camp Type: Sports
  • Camp Specialty: Surfing
  • Camper Ages: 8-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,162
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Camp Kippewa - Monmouth, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 6-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,172
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Camp Trinity at Bar 717 Ranch - Hayfork, CA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Horseback Riding
  • Camper Ages: 2-70
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,173
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Camp Timber Tops - Greeley , PA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 6-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,180
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Camp Chen-A-Wanda - Thompson, PA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 5-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,175
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Camp All-Star - Kents Hill, ME

  • Camp Type: Sports
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 8-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,184
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Camp Manitou - Parry Sound, ON

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,185
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Camp Chateaugay - Merrill, NY

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 6-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,189
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Camp Wachusett for Boys - Brandon, VT

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 8-14
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,194
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Greenwood Trails - Winsted, CT

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 8-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,182
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Camp Ridgecrest for Boys - Ridgecrest, NC

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,161
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Maine Teen Camp - Porter, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Music
  • Camper Ages: 13-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,158
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Camp Moosilauke - Orford, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 8-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,159
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Camp Wigwam - Waterford, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 6-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,159
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Maine Arts Camp - Unity, ME

  • Camp Type: Arts
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 8-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,159
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Camp Farwell - Newbury, VT

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Horseback Riding
  • Camper Ages: 6-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,163
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Camp Walt Whitman - Piermont, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,169
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Camp Winadu - Pittsfield, MA

  • Camp Type: Sports
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 6-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,171
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Camp Bernadette - Gilmanton Iron Works, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 5-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,158
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Greenwoods Camp for Boys - Decatur, MI

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,157
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Camp Walden - Diamond Point, NY

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,162
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Camp Hilltop - Hancock, NY

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 6-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,153
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Adirondack Woodcraft Camps - Old Forge, NY

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Outdoor Exploration
  • Camper Ages: 6-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,154
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Camp Canyon - Bethany, WV

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,155
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American Youth Foundation: Camp Miniwanca - Shelby, MI

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Outdoor Exploration
  • Camper Ages: 8-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,153
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Aloha Hive - Fairlee, VT

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 7-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,157
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Camp Wingate Kirkland - Yarmouth Post, MA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,161
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Pripstein's Camp Mishmar - St. Adolphe d, QC

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Hockey
  • Camper Ages: 6-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,161
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Camp Walden - Cheboydan, MI

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,161
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Camp Winaukee - Moultonboro, NH

  • Camp Type: Sports
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 6-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,167
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The Glen at Lake of the Woods Camp for Girls - Decatur, MI

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 6-14
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,167
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Camp Nicolet - Eagle River, WI

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 8-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,167
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Camp Cobbossee - Winthrop, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,172
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Camp Tamakwa

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 8-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,173
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Lanakila - Fairlee, VT

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 12-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,176
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Long Lake Camp for the Arts - Dobbs Ferry, NY

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Dance
  • Camper Ages: 8-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,182
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Summer at Delphi - Sheridan, OR

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 13-18
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,168
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Camp Blue Ridge - Equinunk, PA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,169
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The Grove at Greenwoods Camp for Boys - Decatur, MI

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 6-14
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,170
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Camp Crestridge for Girls - Ridgecrest, NC

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 7-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,157
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Camp Vega - Fayette, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,159
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Camp Echo - Blomingburg, NY

  • Camp Type: Sports
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 6-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,163
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Cape Cod Sea Camps - Brewster, MA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 8-13
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,169
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Camp Avoda - Middleboro, MA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,168
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Camp Micah - Bridgton, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,172
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Camp Laurel South - Casco, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,174
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Aloha Camp - Fairlee, VT

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 12-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,177
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Camp Kinder Ring - Hopewell Junction, NY

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,177
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Appel Farm Summer Arts Camp - Elmer, NJ

  • Camp Type: Arts
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 9-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,178
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Windsor Mountain International Summer Camp - Windsor, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 7-99
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,179
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Camp Kenwood for Boys - Wilmot, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,182
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Waukeela Camp for Girls - Eaton Center, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Outdoor Exploration
  • Camper Ages: 8-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,178
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Julian Krinsky Yesh Shabbat - King of Prussia, PA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: International Studies
  • Camper Ages: 10-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,181
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Camp Med-O-Lark - Washington, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Arts
  • Camper Ages: 8-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,185
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Long Lake Camp Adventures - Long Lake, NY

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: Baseball and Softball
  • Camper Ages: 8-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,186
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Camp North Star - Poland Spring, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 7-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,190
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Camp Evergreen for Girls - Wilmot, NH

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 7-15
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,193
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Brant Lake Dance Camp - Brant Lake, NY

  • Camp Type: Arts
  • Camp Specialty: Dance
  • Camper Ages: 9-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,195
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Camp Wekeela - Hartford, ME

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 7-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,198
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Camp Weequahic - Lakewood, PA

  • Camp Type: Traditional
  • Camp Specialty:
  • Camper Ages: 7-16
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,199
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Brookwood Camps - Glen Spey, NY

  • Camp Type: Sports
  • Camp Specialty: General Sports
  • Camper Ages: 6-17
  • Average Weekly Tuition: $1,196
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