When planning your children's summer, you give yourself two gifts. The first is engaged, active, happy children. The second gift is the comfort of knowing that you are expanding their knowledge in an informal, supervised learning situation.
When I was growing up, my parents decamped every summer from Montreal to Woodlands, on the shores of Lac Saint Louis about 30 miles west of the city. They rented a cottage across the road from the lake. We took swimming and sailing lessons at the Woodlands Yacht Club and helped with the large garden, which provided vegetables and flowers during the short Canadian summer. It was idyllic and safe.
The routine was pleasant and predictable. My parents were not wealthy. In the 1950s, a lower-middle-class family of seven could make summers like the ones I described above happen for a modest cost. Fast forward to 2026, and summer camps, enrichment programs, academic institutes, and specialty experiences continue to serve a similar purpose: providing children with activity-filled days in safe, well-supervised environments while helping them build new skills and interests.
The most important caveat when selecting a summer program is to make certain that you understand all the aspects involved. Know everything about the quality of the activities, the supervision, snacks and meals, transportation policies, safety procedures, and all the other details. Assume nothing. Most schools, camps, and community organizations that run summer programs will be happy to answer your questions.
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Now, let's look at options available at various age levels.
Elementary Grades
Let's assume that your children's day school finishes its academic year in early June. A few days, even a week off, will be a decent break from the daily routine. Then, send your children in first through third grade off to a day camp with a morning session. Sign your fourth- through sixth-grade children up for a more extended session ending at approximately 3 p.m.
While elementary school children will enjoy all the activities and being with friends new and old, they need some downtime too.
Most private schools and many churches offer day camps. These feature age-appropriate extended learning and enrichment programs combined with sports and arts activities. Many private schools across the country now offer STEM programs, robotics camps, coding workshops, performing arts experiences, outdoor education programs, and academic enrichment opportunities in addition to traditional camp activities.
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You will find lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, art, robotics, math, cheerleading, chess, and a host of other activities at a well-run, professionally organized summer camp at a private school.
Lunch and snacks vary from school to school, so be sure to inquire about those. Does your child have a medical or physical condition that might limit participation in some activities? Speak to the summer session director as soon as possible to see if the school can accommodate those needs.
The offers guidance for parents evaluating camp safety, staff training, and program quality.
Middle and High School Grades
Sending your child to a sleepaway camp is worth considering for middle or high school children. If a younger child is comfortable with being away from home, that may be worth considering as well.
Sleepaway camps generally come in three flavors: traditional, specialty, and special-needs programs.
As with day camps, do your due diligence carefully. Your child may be several hours away from you, so ensure the camp is well-run, enjoys a good reputation, and is responsive to your communications.
The traditional sleepaway camp offers a wide range of age-appropriate activities, including sports and the arts, designed to make your child's day pass quickly. While brochures and websites may be helpful for screening a list of camps, I recommend visiting the camp in person whenever possible and confirming that everything meets your approval.
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Specialty Camps
Specialty camps are an excellent way to nurture your child's talents and abilities in a setting where everything revolves around a favorite activity.
For instance, if your child loves tennis, a tennis camp may focus almost exclusively on tennis throughout the day. Participants receive coaching, training, drills, and competitive opportunities in the company of peers who share similar interests. Other specialty camps focus on music, theater, coding, science, engineering, entrepreneurship, leadership, and countless other subjects.
The notes that specialized learning experiences can help students deepen interests while developing confidence and independence.
Camps for Students With Special Needs
If you are the parent of a child with special needs, you will be pleased to know that there are sleepaway camps that offer safe, supportive experiences supervised by experienced staff.
You need a vacation too. A thoughtfully selected camp can provide your child with meaningful experiences while giving your family valuable respite.
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Travel Programs for Teens
Teen travel programs continue to be popular in 2026, but they require careful evaluation.
International travel has become easier in some respects compared to the disruptions of the early 2020s, but parents still need to account for weather disruptions, transportation issues, health considerations, and geopolitical developments when selecting programs.
As a result, I suggest that you carefully vet any teen travel service. Don't take somebody's word for it. Don't rely solely on social media reviews. Prepare a list of questions specific to the travel itinerary, accommodations, supervision, emergency procedures, and communication expectations. Then speak with program leadership directly.
Please set up a credit or debit card for your teen and discuss how and when to use it. Establish a communication plan and arrange for regular check-ins throughout the trip.
Teach your teen always to have a Plan B ready, just as experienced travelers do. Preparation remains one of the best safeguards when traveling away from home.
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How to Find a Program Near You
The easiest way to find schools offering summer programs is to search for schools on 草榴社区 School Review.
Start by setting the location using your ZIP code. Then select a radius that makes sense for your location. If you are in an urban area, five to ten miles may be sufficient. Families in rural areas may need to expand their search.
Review school profiles carefully and visit school websites to learn more about their summer offerings, registration requirements, and program details.
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Whether you choose a day camp, specialty program, sleepaway camp, academic enrichment experience, or teen travel program, thoughtful planning can help ensure that your child enjoys a productive, enriching, and memorable summer.
Have a Wonderful Summer
Summer programs remain one of the best ways to combine learning, recreation, social development, and personal growth. By asking questions, researching carefully, and selecting programs that match your child's interests and needs, you can create a summer experience that benefits the entire family.
Have a wonderful summer!
