Summer Camp Ideas for Teens

Attending summer camp can be a way for teens to grow in skills and social awareness. Camps are run by town and city recreation departments; public and private schools; universities and colleges; conservation agencies and organizations; museums; and youth groups and agencies such as Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Boy and Girl Scouts of America and Camp Fire USA. General camps and other specialized camps can be either residential, meaning overnight camps, or day camps, where children return home each night. The American Camping Association accrediting agency provides standards compliance verification for camps.

  1. General Camps

    • General camps usually offer a wide variety of activities. These can include swimming and other recreation, craft projects, games, field trips and outings, and active sports. General camps may also include activities outlined in some of the more specialized camps.

    Educational Enrichment Camps

    • Academic enrichment camps provide coursework for teens who need or want educational supplementation. These camps can also offer high-performing teens new challenges and experiences. Courses covered in educational enrichment camps include life and physical sciences, engineering, foreign language, mathematics, technology, music and other disciplines. In one summer camp opportunity, campers practice computer-assisted design and other digital arts. In another, they learn about robotic programming and operations, computer-controlled laser operations, and the use of surgical instruments and vehicles used in outer-space missions.

    Specialized Activity Camps

    • For teens who are active in athletics, sports-focused summer camps can offer an opportunity for the teen to become more proficient in her sport and grow in sportsmanship. Teens who sail, surf, compete in gymnastics, tennis and martial arts, or play team sports such as baseball, soccer, hockey and basketball, can enhance their knowledge at these programs, which can be either residential or day camps.

    Special Needs Camps

    • A summer break from school can present an opportunity for teens with special needs to get professional attention and targeted help. For teens that have physical, emotional, social, developmental and other needs, camp can provide fun opportunities to experience success and independence. Camps can combine recreational and therapeutic opportunities for teens and others with disabilities.

    Recovery Camps

    • Behavioral treatment camps offer treatment for teens who exhibit aggressive behavior, run away or have substance-abuse issues. Some camps offer a wilderness experience with an emphasis on self-responsibility and group interdependence.

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