Is my child ready for overnight camp? How to choose a first camp

Every child is different, and there isn't a right age for a first overnight camp. What matters most is whether your child wants to go. We've run summer camps in Virginia's Blue Ridge since 1990, and these are the signs we've seen that a camper is ready, plus a guide to which of our camps suits which stage.

Signs your child is ready

• They're excited, not just willing. Camp is fun, exciting and physically challenging, and it works best for kids who are eager to meet new people and try new things. It's not a boot camp, and it isn't for children who are sent against their will.
• They've spent nights away from home. Sleepovers with friends or relatives are good practice.
• They can look after their own things. Packing their own bag and keeping track of their gear.
• They're curious about the outdoors. They don't need any experience, just a willingness to give it a go.

Step 1: Day Camp (ages 8–13)

Not sure about overnights yet? Day Camp runs Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Campers spend the day climbing, paddling, caving and making friends, then come home for dinner. It's a great way to try camp and get to know the property and the staff.

Step 2: Homestead Adventure (ages 9–14)

Homestead Adventure is often the best first overnight camp. Campers climb, paddle and explore during the day, then come back to a hot meal, a shower and a bed in the lodge every night. It's all the adventure with a comfortable place to land.

Step 3: Classic Adventure (ages 9–17)

Classic Adventure is closest to the backpacking trips Wilderness Adventure began with: time in the backcountry with a small group and two counselors. Campers carry their own pack, climb real rock, paddle a river, explore a cave and cook dinner over a fire. Groups are split by age, 9–12 and 13–17.

Step 4: Specialty trips (ages 13–17)

Teens who know what they love can go deeper with Mountain Biking, Outdoor Engineering or two weeks on the water with Go With The Flow.

Step 5: Wilderness Leadership Course (ages 15–17)

The Wilderness Leadership Course is three weeks in the backcountry. Older campers take turns planning the day and leading their group, and build the skills to look after others outdoors.

Getting ready together

• Choose together. Look at the camp pages together and let your child help pick.
• Visit first. Come to an open house or book a tour to see the lodges, walk the property and meet the people who run camp.
• Talk about phones. On backpacking trips campers are away from phones and email for the whole trip. Talking about this beforehand helps.
• Write letters. We deliver mail to campers on the trail. A letter waiting in the first few days goes a long way.
• Practice outside. Hikes and walks with a backpack before camp make the first days easier.

What about homesickness?

Missing home is normal, and it usually fades once the days fill up with climbing, paddling and new friends. Try to stay positive and confident in your goodbyes and letters. Avoid promising to collect your child early if they feel homesick; that tends to make it harder for them to settle.

Still deciding? Our summer camp FAQs cover everything from meals to medical care, or get in touch and we'll help you choose.