What is a Summer Camp?

What is a summer camp? Many people have doubts and even confusion about what truly constitutes a summer camp. Nowadays, the word «camp» tends to be applied to a wide range of activities that take place during the summer period, but which do not always fall within the concept of a proper summer camp.

So on this occasion, at Natuaventura we would like to explore what a summer camp is, and above all what it is not. In this way, you will have a much clearer understanding of what a genuine camp involves, and you will be better placed to choose the ideal camp for your child.

What is a summer camp?

Essentially, what is known as a summer camp is a series of leisure and free-time activities carried out at a facility that has been adapted for that purpose.

Although various recreational activities are carried out, the objective of a camp is educational, with the majority of activities grounded in leisure pedagogy. In short, learning at these camps takes place through games and recreational activities.

So when answering the question: what is a summer camp? We must consider 2 factors. First, the leisure activities that are carried out outdoors and in appropriate facilities; and second, that those activities pursue educational goals.

How long does a camp last?

Another aspect to bear in mind when understanding what a summer camp is relates to its duration. Summer camps generally last from one week to 15 days. However, many summer camps run for longer than this. Therefore, a one- or two-day outdoor trip, for example, is not considered a summer camp.

And it is precisely on this last point that there is the greatest confusion. Nowadays, it is very common to call any activity involving children and some leisure time a «summer camp».

For this reason, as well as knowing what a summer camp is, it is also worth exploring what a camp of this type is actually like. To do so, you should be aware that there are several types of summer camp.

Types of summer camp.

There are various types of summer camp depending on the activities on offer, the facilities, and the theme. According to this classification, we could identify several different types of camp, such as those shown below.

– Residential and non-residential camps.

Today, the word «camp» is used for a variety of leisure activities that may be residential — that is, with overnight stays — or non-residential. In reality, a summer camp is more intense when participants can share the full 24 hours of each day with the rest of the group and the monitors.

With this in mind, if such activities do not include overnight stays, the correct term is summer school or urban camp.

– Camps according to facilities.

There are also various types of camp depending on the facilities used to run the activities. A camp in the traditional sense has very few physical structures, as it is usually held in tents.

Nowadays, this type of traditional camp tends to be called a «tent or cabin camp» rather than a summer camp. When a traditional camp has a minimum of infrastructure — that is, toilets, a kitchen, a dining room, etc. — the best term would be «campsite» or one of those mentioned above.

When a camp has a fixed facility (perhaps a residential centre or a hostel), its correct name is colonia de verano (holiday colony). However, the term «summer camp» is almost always used to refer to a hostel or residential centre, so it would not be incorrect to use this term in that context.

The facilities also influence the name given to leisure activities. For example, when a school finishes the academic year and leisure activities are run, it is called a summer school.

In fact, the timetable for these activities is usually the same as the school timetable, which is why in addition to «summer school» it is also known as an «urban camp». Originally, these tended to be held in the school’s own premises — sports halls, classrooms, playgrounds, and so on. However, the name has changed since it is no longer common for them to be held in schools.

Finally, within the category of camps according to facilities, there are sports campuses. These are camps held at sports facilities centred on a specific sport. As you can see, when exploring what a camp is, the facilities play a major role in determining the name given to these activities.

Types of camp according to activity.

We have already mentioned that the term «summer camp» may not be entirely appropriate depending on the facilities where activities are held. That said, the activities themselves will also determine the type of camp and its name.

Thus, there are currently nautical camps, multi-adventure camps, language camps, and sports campuses. Although all of these are camps, their specific name is the correct way to refer to each type of activity.

What is NOT a summer camp?

Finally, to understand what a camp is, there is no better way than to discover what this type of camp is NOT. A summer camp is NOT the following:

– A place to leave children.

– A luxury hotel with butlers at their service.

– A trip to the countryside to play and take part in activities.

As you can see, a summer camp goes much further and is defined more specifically according to the facilities and activities on offer — all within the framework of an educational objective based on fun and recreational activities.

You might also be interested in:

What is a Summer Camp?

Discover the 5 Benefits of a Summer Camp.

5 Types of Summer Camp to Consider for Your Children.

How to Choose the Best Summer Camp? 5 Tips to Consider.