When's The Right Time to Book Camp

It’s still technically “summer.” The kids have only been back to school for a minute, and memories from this past summer at camp are still pretty fresh. So how can it already be time to research and enroll for next summer?

And… is NOW really the best time to book?

Here are six reasons why starting early makes good sense.

1. If you’re enrolling for the first time, give yourself time to research and decide.

Choosing an overnight camp is a big decision, and it can take some time to figure out which camp is truly the right fit for your child. Many camps can look similar at first glance, especially when you’re comparing activity “lists.” But there’s much more to consider: the camp’s philosophy, culture, traditions, size, location, session length, age groups, facilities and, perhaps most importantly, the overall vibe.

Give yourself time to do a deeper dive. You’re not just choosing a camp for next summer. Ideally, you’re finding a place where your child will thrive and want to return summer after summer.

Once you narrow down your options, you may want to speak with camp directors, explore websites and social media, talk to reference families, tour a camp and, of course, talk with your child.

(See our recent blog with 16 questions to ask: How Do I Choose The Right Camp: A Parent’s Guide)

2. Camps can fill early.

Camps have a finite number of spaces in each cabin and age group. Once those spots are filled, they’re filled.

And many camps have a built-in group of returning campers who re-enroll each year, along with younger siblings who eventually join them.

If you have your heart set on a particular camp, session or age group, start the conversation early. Reach out to the camp directors, learn about their enrollment timeline and stay abreast of availability.

The earlier you start, the better chance you have of getting the camp and session that work best for your family.

3. Plan camp first, then plan family trips, if possible.

Camp session dates are fixed, and most camps have a rhythm to their summers that makes arriving late or leaving early less than ideal. So, if you can, book camp first and then plan your family vacations and other summer activities around your child’s camp schedule. It can save you from trying to make everything fit together later.

4. Early enrollment gives your child time to get excited about camp.

Once camp is on the calendar, it becomes part of the year ahead. Most of the school year will, of course, focus on school, sports, friends and life at home. But it can be exciting for your child to know that camp is waiting for them next summer.

It also gives you plenty of time to prepare. Depending on the camp, there may be clothing and trunks to purchase, forms to complete and camper information to provide. Many camps ask parents to fill out a camper profile so directors can get to know your child and help set them up for a successful summer, including cabin assignments.

And for your child, knowing what’s ahead can give them time to build independence, think about camp life and look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.

5. You may be able to save with early enrollment.

Some camps offer early enrollment pricing, although this varies by camp. If the camp you’re considering offers an early enrollment incentive, that can be one more reason to get a jump on registration.

6. And then there’s the question of whether your child is ready.

The right time to book camp also depends on the right time for your child.

Children, and their parents, may be ready at different times. Many camps’ youngest age group is around age seven, or going into third grade, although some children are ready a little earlier and others need more time.

Is your child still raring to go after a day of day camp, wanting to go swimming, play sports, have dinner with friends or do something else? That can be a sign they’re ready for more.

Have they done sleepovers and felt comfortable being away from home? Another good sign. And remember: A year is a long time in a child’s life. The child who isn’t quite ready this summer may feel very different by next summer. There’s a lot of growing up that can happen in a year.

So, when is the right time to book?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right time depends on your child, your family and the camp you’re considering.

But if you’re thinking about overnight camp in Maine for next summer, fall is a great time to start the conversation.

This is a big decision. You’re choosing a place where your child will spend weeks of their summer, make friends, build independence and grow. You’re choosing the people you’ll entrust with your child. And it’s an investment, too.

Starting early gives you something valuable: time.

Time to research. Time to ask questions. Time to find the right fit. And time to give yourself the best chance of getting the session, age group and camp that are right for your child.

So yes, summer may have just ended. But it’s already a good time to start thinking about next summer.

Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools

Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child? Try out our helpful Select-A-Camp 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.