Day camp offers youngsters a chance to participate in a wide variety of sports and activities. Summer day camps are also ideal for younger campers who are perhaps not yet ready for an overnight camp experience. If your child likes to stay busy with a variety of different sports, crafts and other activities, this may be your best camp choice. Some day camps require you to drop off and pick up your child, while others provide transportation from central locations. Some camps provide lunches and snacks, and others do not. The kinds of sports and activities will vary from camp to camp, so be sure to inquire ahead of time about the kinds of activities that will be offered to your child.

Highlights: Day camps offer the widest variety of sports and activities, though some do specialize. The camp day is typically shorter for children, making it perfect for younger kids.

Learning Skills: Day camps offer children an introduction to the camping experience. They will learn new sports and crafts, and will learn good sportsmanship from playing on teams and working with their peers. In addition, they'll gain an added sense of independence from the experience.

Levels of Expertise: Camps such as these are often geared to first time or beginner campers, though some day camps offer advanced programs.