Summer in the DFW is a magical time filled with sunshine, free time, and possibilities! For kids and teens, it’s a break from school, a chance to explore new interests, and an opportunity to make lifelong memories. One of the best ways to enrich your child’s summer experience is by choosing the right summer camp. Whether you’re new to the process or just looking to make a better choice this year, this guide will walk you through how to pick a summer camp in the DFW area.
Why Choose a Summer Camp for Kids?
Summer camps for kids or summer camps for teens offer more than just entertainment. They encourage personal growth, independence, social skills, and often help kids discover new passions. From art and science to sports and leadership, camps cater to a wide range of interests and age groups. Not to mention, if you’re a working parent, having a safe place for your child to learn and grow while you’re away can be a true life-saver!
Step-by-Step: How to Pick a Summer Camp in the DFW Area
- Identify Your Goal
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There are many types of summer camps for kids in the DFW area to choose from! To pick the best option for your child, consider your goals and how you want your child to grow. Are you hoping to nurture their love of the outdoors? Or help them build confidence in their creativity and critical thinking skills? Start by asking yourself (and your child) what you want their summer camp experience to be like. - Consider Your Child’s Interests and Personality
The ideal summer camp for kids can be different depending on your child’s unique personality and preferences! Look for camps across the DFW area that match your child’s temperament and comfort level. Some children may benefit from more structured and nurturing environments, while others may prefer camps that offer higher levels of independence, adventure, and leadership opportunities. No matter what your child’s temperament though, any summer camp you consider should be inclusive and make them feel safe, welcome, and ready to have fun! - Review the Different Types of Camps
Once you have your goals outlined, you’re ready to find the summer camp that’s the best fit for you and your child. Here are a few different types of summer camps you can choose from in Fort Worth and Keller (based on what Clayton offers!):- Specialty Camps: Focused on specific interests like coding, drama, sports, or STEAM, specialty summer camps are perfect for passionate kids and teens who want to explore their hobbies! Curious about what this could look like? Clayton offers a STEAM day camp that allows kids to dive into hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and exciting field trips all centered around discovery.
- Outdoor Camps: Kids in Fort Worth and Keller love getting outside in the summer! Outdoor camps are great for parents who are looking to help their kids discover a love of nature, learn team-building skills, and create lasting friendships. At Clayton’s Outdoor Adventure Camp, campers enjoy the outdoors with boating, archery, swimming activities, along with team-building challenges, exciting field trips, and classic camp fun!
- Pre-K Camps: Designed specifically for kids age 3-5. Pre-K camps introduce little ones to age-appropriate activities that help them explore, create, and grow. This is a perfect option for parents who want to introduce their toddlers to early learning and help spark their creativity! Clayton’s Pre-K camps have splash days, interactive learning centers, dedicated playtime, and relaxing downtime moments that bring excitement to the summer.
- Teen Camps: Offers valuable opportunities for inspiration, independence, and skill development. Teen camp activities are specifically developed for teens’ personal growth and self-discovery. Camp Clayton’s teen leadership camp, for example, offers a range of hands-on service projects, college tours, and discussions with inspiring speakers!
- Involve Your Child in the Decision
Letting your child help choose their DFW summer camp is sure to help increase their excitement and comfort level! Giving them a sense of independence and empowerment with the decision, especially when picking a summer camp for teens, will help you find the right fit and will help build your child’s confidence in the process. You can ask them questions about what summer camp means to them to spark discussion and help them make the right choice.
What to Look For When Picking a DFW Summer Camp
Looking for more tips to help build your confidence? Here are some characteristics of great summer camps that will help your child thrive:
- Low Staff-To-Camper Ratios
- A great summer camp for kids will have low staff-to-camper ratios, meaning there is always a staff member available, even for small groups of campers. This ensures your child gets the attention they need and can be looked after properly while they enjoy their summer activities! A good staff-to-camper ratio to look out for is around 1:10.
- Daily Schedules
- A well-organized daily schedule with specific times for activities, meal breaks, and events is a strong sign a summer camp is worth considering. Every day should be thoughtfully planned out! Make sure to ask any camp you’re interested in whether they have a set schedule you can review if it’s not already available on their website.
- Flexible Attendance
- We all know that summer is a busy time! Whatever your summer calendar is, it’s important to find a camp that works with you and can accommodate the needs of your family. Look for a camp that allows you to choose which weeks you want to attend based on themes, activities, family vacations, or any other preferences you have. Clayton, for example, offers summer camps by the week so parents can choose the schedule that works best for them!
- Health Accommodations
- Does your child have allergies or need medication? A great summer camp knows how essential it is to accommodate the health requirements of all its campers. Check in and make sure the camp you’re considering has counselors who are able to store and dispense your child’s medications as needed. Also make sure any summer camp you pick in the DFW area allows you to list special accommodations or allergy concerns for your camper!
- Designed by Age Group
- When considering how to pick a summer camp, one of the main factors should always be your child’s age! Check and make sure your summer camp of choice specifies the age group it’s for. Here are some questions you can ask to make sure you’re picking a summer camp that is well-designed for your child’s age:
- Are the camps broken out by specific age groups?
- Are they thoughtful and intentional about the ways they tailor the camp to your child’s age group?
- What are some examples they give of how their summer camp activities are valuable for your child’s learning stage?
- When considering how to pick a summer camp, one of the main factors should always be your child’s age! Check and make sure your summer camp of choice specifies the age group it’s for. Here are some questions you can ask to make sure you’re picking a summer camp that is well-designed for your child’s age:
- Accreditations
- Another major factor to look out for is whether or not the camp you’re considering has any accreditations. Do these accreditations demonstrate that the camp is held to the highest standards? This is a signal that the camp has undergone a thorough peer review process and is committed to maintaining best practices. Clayton’s adventure camp, for example, is accredited by the American Camp Association (AMA), the only national accrediting body for camps of all types.
While not all camps are accredited, choosing one that is can give you added peace of mind. It shows the camp leadership is proactive about accountability and committed to continuous improvement. Before enrolling, don’t hesitate to ask the camp director about their accreditations and what they mean in practical terms for your child’s day-to-day experience.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right DFW summer camp isn’t just about filling time: it’s about creating a rewarding, growth-oriented experience for your child! With the right planning, you can find a summer camp for kids or a summer camp for teens that leaves your child feeling more confident, inspired, and ready for the next school year.
Now that you know how to pick a summer camp in the DFW area, start early, do your research, and involve your child in the process. Summer adventures are waiting!
About Camp Clayton
Interested in giving your child a summer adventure to remember? Our thoughtfully designed programs and age-specific groupings ensure a safe, engaging, and unforgettable summer for all our participants. We proudly offer a variety of summer camps located across Fort Worth and Keller, providing ultimate convenience for working parents. A lifetime of adventure begins at Camp Clayton!