7 Tips for Touring Camps

If you’re considering sending your child to summer camp in Maine, touring prospective camps is one of the best ways to get a feel for the environment and envision your child’s experience. Here are helpful tips to make the most of your camp tours:

1. Start Early and Plan Ahead:

Nothing beats seeing the camps while they’re in session, so plan now. Book tours early so you’ll get your preferred dates and time with camp directors. Camps may also not be available some days when a lot of campers are on out-of-camp trips, during session transition days, or in final packing days. (Camp sessions end early-to-mid-August. Some camps also offer tours later into the summer and in early fall.)

Narrow down your list*, plan to visit between 2-to-4 camps, and ideally visit no more than 2 in a day (one morning; one after rest hour) so you’re not rushed and you have time to process what you’ve seen, drive to the next, and view each with a clear head and fresh perspective.

Note - even if your child seems young now, it’ll be a full year of growth before next camp summer. Most camps begin at age 7, so families like to tour starting around age 6. Read here to see if your child is ready for overnight camp.

2. Know What You’re Looking For:

Before the tour, make a list of what’s important to your family and your child. Are you looking for specific activities, a certain session length, coed or single-gender, religious affiliation, uniform or not, more stctured or more elective programming, etc.

While on tour, wear comfortable clothing, stay hydrated, and bring sunscreen.

3. Ask the Right Questions:

Talk with directors, counselors, and (if possible) campers around your child’s age and older. Some great questions to ask include: What’s a typical day like here? What are some of your camp’s traditions? What trips do campers take? How do you handle homesickness or other emotional needs? What is the staff-to-camper ratio? How do you select and train your staff? How does communication with parents work during camp? What are your policies related to health, safety, photos, and screen time.

Observe where your child lights up and gets engaged. Their buy-in will make for an easier transition when they go as a camper next summer.

4. Observe the Vibe:

Every camp has its own culture and rhythm. While you’re on-site, take note of: How staff interact with kids—are they engaged, warm, and enthusiastic? Are the facilities well-maintained and safe? Do campers seem happy and busy? What does a cabin look like? Sometimes, the overall feel of a camp will give you just as much insight as the facts.

5. Decide who should tour - should younger siblings come?

Sometimes younger siblings can benefit from seeing the camps too - especially if they’re close in age; and sometimes, the younger siblings are too young and can be tired, hot, cranky, or bored. Judge your situation to see if it’s best to bring the siblings or leave them home with one parent or grandparent. Another option is having a family trip to Maine, but one parent tours with their camper while the other parent does other activities in Maine.

6. Take Notes & Compare:

After each visit, note your impressions. Things can blur together after a few tours, so keep a record of what stood out—good or bad. Include your child’s feedback as well. A few key areas to note: program offerings, cabin/living environment, camp values/philosophy, and gut feeling.

7. Enjoy the Scenery!

Maine is beautiful and there’s lots to eat, see, and do. If you have time to build in some leisure time plan stops for lobster rolls, enjoy charming downtowns, and have fun on outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and lobster boat fishing. Touring camps can be both productive and memorable!

Final Thought: Touring camps in Maine helps families find a place where children will thrive and grow. By preparing ahead, asking thoughtful questions, and trusting your instincts, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the right camp fit for your family. In addition to camp tours, families can also consider rookie experiences;; some camps offer rookie days and/or overnights for a more in-depth experience.

*Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools: Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child? Try out our helpful tool where you can select a camp by choosing: type of camp (girls, boys or coed) and session length (1-8 weeks). It helps to narrow down a few camps to a manageable list that includes rates. Then you can research these camps in more depth. Next, be sure to contact our Maine Camp Guide, Laurie to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.