I’ve dedicated numerous blogs to various summer camps for kids of all ages with differing interests. From military camps to luxury camps to summer camps for “American Idol” wannabes. It seems there is a camp for everyone. Well, here’s a new twist on summer camps that may have you calling a family meeting—a single camp destination for the whole clan.
Talk about thinking outside of the box. Typically, when you think of a family vacation you might think of flying off to an exotic locale or taking a cruise together. But these days there is a new trend in summer family getaways that includes everybody’s favorite pastime–organized camping.
It’s just like the rustic summer camps you send your children to—only you’re there as a family unit. According to the American Camp Association, family camps are a hot trend–with the number of programs up 215% in the last 15 years. The ACA attributes the popularity of the camps to parents who are looking for ways to spend positive, wholesome experiences with their children. (I suppose for some families it’s quite a startling revelation to see how much bonding can go on when you are in an environment void of modern conveniences such as televisions, video games, computers, and DVD players.)
Family camps are offered during the summer months and you are given the opportunity to choose your length of stay. They run from weekends, up to several weeks long. The price for a family of four (depending on the location and duration of stay) sharing one cabin can run anywhere from $400 to $3500. That price includes meals, activities, and lodging.
Activities vary from camp to camp, but typically include archery, kayaking, hiking, and other land sports. Camps also include adult activities such as yoga classes, aerobics, and fly-fishing.
If the idea of sharing the great outdoors with your family appeals to you consider visiting the American Camp Association website. Otherwise, you can search “family camps” on the Internet, though it is a good idea to make sure the camp you choose is accredited (which means it meets health and safety standards). Once you narrow down your options it’s a good idea to ask if the camp is running any deals prior to handing over your money. According to the ACA, 98% of the camps listed on their site offer some kind of discount for families.
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