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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 Avoda - Middleboro, MA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,125

Moose River Outpost - Jackman, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Outdoor Exploration
- Camper Ages: 12-18
- Average Weekly Tuition: $940

Camp Trinity at Bar 717 Ranch - Hayfork, CA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Horseback Riding
- Camper Ages: 2-70
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,000

Camp Ridgecrest for Boys - Ridgecrest, NC
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $872

Camp Chen-A-Wanda - Thompson, PA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 5-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $915

Camp Twin Creeks - Marlinton, WV
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 7-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $943

Camp Glen Brook - Marlborough, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 8-13
- Average Weekly Tuition: $944

Camp Canyon - Bethany, WV
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $973

Camp Fatima - Gilmanton Iron Works, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 5-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $929

Aloha Camp - Fairlee, VT
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 12-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $971

Camp Winadu - Pittsfield, MA
- Camp Type: Sports
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 6-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $989

Camp Friendship - Palmyra, VA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 6-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,008

Camp Matoaka - Smithfield, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,044

Camp Blue Ridge - Equinunk, PA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,057

Camp Chateaugay - Merrill, NY
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 6-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,077

Camp Ocean Pines - Cambria, CA
- Camp Type: Sports
- Camp Specialty: Surfing
- Camper Ages: 8-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,079

Waukeela Camp for Girls - Eaton Center, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Outdoor Exploration
- Camper Ages: 8-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,071

Camp Kinder Ring - Hopewell Junction, NY
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,078

Pripstein's Camp Mishmar - St. Adolphe d, QC
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Hockey
- Camper Ages: 6-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,084

Camp Vega - Fayette, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,093

Camp Greenbrier for Boys - Alderson, WV
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-18
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,079

Brookwood Camps - Glen Spey, NY
- Camp Type: Sports
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 6-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,080

Camp Wa-Klo - Jaffrey, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Horseback Riding
- Camper Ages: 6-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,095

Rockbrook Camp for Girls - Brevard, NC
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Horseback Riding
- Camper Ages: 6-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,107

Camp Equinunk - Equinunk, PA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,113

Camp Med-O-Lark - Washington, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 8-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,134

Kingsley Pines Camp - Raymond, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 8-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,137

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: $1,139

Camp Farwell - Newbury, VT
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Horseback Riding
- Camper Ages: 6-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,147

Camp Walden - Cheboydan, MI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,148

Greenwood Trails - Winsted, CT
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 8-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,131

The Grove at Greenwoods Camp for Boys - Decatur, MI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 6-14
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,133

Camp Nicolet - Eagle River, WI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 8-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,133

Camp Hawkeye - Moultonborough, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Outdoor Exploration
- Camper Ages: 8-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,119

Adirondack Woodcraft Camps - Old Forge, NY
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Outdoor Exploration
- Camper Ages: 6-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,123

Camp Kippewa - Monmouth, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 6-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,135

Greenwoods Camp for Boys - Decatur, MI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,134

Cape Cod Sea Camps - Brewster, MA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 8-13
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,148

Camp North Star - Poland Spring, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 7-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,160

Summer at Delphi - Sheridan, OR
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 13-18
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,135

Camp Waziyatah - Waterford, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,138

Camp Walden - Diamond Point, NY
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,146

Camp Robindel for Girls - Center Harbor, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,149

Camp Walt Whitman - Piermont, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,156

Forest Lake Camp - Chestertown, NY
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 8-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,160

Camp Bernadette - Gilmanton Iron Works, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 5-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,145

Appel Farm Summer Arts Camp - Elmer, NJ
- Camp Type: Arts
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 9-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,148

Brant Lake Camp - Brant Lake, NY
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,151

Maine Arts Camp - Unity, ME
- Camp Type: Arts
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 8-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,151

Windsor Mountain International Summer Camp - Windsor, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 7-99
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,153

Camp Moosilauke - Orford, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 8-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,153

Camp Mah-Kee-Nac - Lenox, MA
- Camp Type: Sports
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 6-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,157

Independent Lake Camp - Lakewood, PA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 6-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,156

Camp Laurel - Mount Vernon, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,158

American Youth Foundation: Camp Miniwanca - Shelby, MI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Outdoor Exploration
- Camper Ages: 8-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,155

Camp Wingate Kirkland - Yarmouth Post, MA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,160

Camp Arowhon - Algonquin Park, ON
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,164

Camp Wicosuta - Hebron, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Fine Arts
- Camper Ages: 6-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,169

Lake of the Woods Camp for Girls - Decatur, MI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,168

Camp Shohola - Greeley, PA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,166

Waterville Valley Summer Camp - Waterville Valley, NH
- Camp Type: Sports
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 8-14
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,165

Camp All-Star - Kents Hill, ME
- Camp Type: Sports
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 8-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,171

Camp Danbee - Hinsdale, MA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 6-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,173

Camp Weequahic - Lakewood, PA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 7-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,174

JCC Maccabi Camp Kingswood - Bridgton, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 8-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,167

Julian Krinsky Yesh Shabbat - King of Prussia, PA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: International Studies
- Camper Ages: 10-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,170

Camp Kenwood for Boys - Wilmot, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,174

Camp Manitou - Parry Sound, ON
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,174

Camp Winaukee - Moultonboro, NH
- Camp Type: Sports
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 6-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,179

Pine Forest Camp - Rowland, PA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 7-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,183

Camp Emerson - Hinsdale, MA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 8-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,186

Camp Bauercrest - Amesbury, MA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,175

Camp Wigwam - Waterford, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 6-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,175

Muskoka Woods - Rosseau, ON
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 7-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,185

YMCA Camp Fuller - Wakefield, RI
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,174

Lake Owego Camp - Greeley, PA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,180

Camp Hilltop - Hancock, NY
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 6-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,173

Camp White Pine - Haliburton, ON
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,172

American Youth Foundation: Camp Merrowvista - Center Tuftonboro, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 8-18
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,170

Camp Wachusett for Boys - Brandon, VT
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 8-14
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,173

Camp Mataponi - Cumberland, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,175

Aloha Hive - Fairlee, VT
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 7-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,178

Camp Echo - Blomingburg, NY
- Camp Type: Sports
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 6-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,181

Camp Nashoba North - Raymond, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Horseback Riding
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,182

Brant Lake Dance Camp - Brant Lake, NY
- Camp Type: Arts
- Camp Specialty: Dance
- Camper Ages: 9-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,184

Long Lake Camp for the Arts - Dobbs Ferry, NY
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Dance
- Camper Ages: 8-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,189

Camp Cobbossee - Winthrop, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,193

Blue Star Camps - Hendersonville, NC
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 6-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,193

Camp Crestridge for Girls - Ridgecrest, NC
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 7-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,181

Camp Wekeela - Hartford, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 7-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,185

Maine Teen Camp - Porter, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Music
- Camper Ages: 13-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,183

Camp Netimus - Milford, PA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,182

Camp Evergreen for Girls - Wilmot, NH
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,185

Long Lake Camp Adventures - Long Lake, NY
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: Baseball and Softball
- Camper Ages: 8-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,185

Camp Laurel South - Casco, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,188

Camp Timber Tops - Greeley , PA
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Arts
- Camper Ages: 6-16
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,190

Lanakila - Fairlee, VT
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty:
- Camper Ages: 12-17
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,192

Camp Micah - Bridgton, ME
- Camp Type: Traditional
- Camp Specialty: General Sports
- Camper Ages: 7-15
- Average Weekly Tuition: $1,195


Top Summer Camp Destinations