Family Camp Has Its Days in the Sun

Costs and Amenities of Family Camps

Family camps range widely in cost, depending on the level of luxury, food standards and quality of the facilities. It also depends on the number and ages of the kids you bring (children under 2 are often free). Privately owned camps tend to be more expensive, but religious camps can be quite affordable. On average, a family of four can expect to pay as little as $700 or as much as $4,000.

The cost usually includes accommodations, activities and meals. While most camps are all-inclusive, many offer extra-cost options, such as paragliding and massages.

For sustenance, many programs stick to basic fare, though there's plenty of it, while others serve resort-quality grub. An emphasis on the kids makes peanut butter and jelly and burgers common menu items. Often, meals are served in communal dining halls.

Because this is family camp, the surroundings are usually mountainous and/or wooded. Lake- and river-side locations are particularly common. Regarding sleeping quarters, these, too, go from rustic cabins with no electrical power to condo-style rooms befitting a two- to four-star hotel.

One other fact to keep in mind is that many family programs are run only one or two weeks per year at a residential camp facility. Quite a few camps offer long-weekend programs, rather than full-week experiences. And most of the places with family camps operate kid programs for the entire summer.

Camp capacity goes the gamut from 15 to 80 families, depending on the size of the facility.

Gregory Keer is a teacher, writer, father of three boys and family camp veteran.

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