20 Wild Summer Camps That Kids Can Go To

In life, three things are certain: death, taxes, and kids hurting themselves by jumping off stuff. Imagine, then, a camp that lets kids jump off stuff in a safe environment. Enter Hollywood Stunt Camp, from Pali Adventures Summer Camp based near L.A. This place teaches children how to perform stunts such as fighting, falling, and swordplay like a silver screen pro.

The International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to all things espionage-related, up to and including teaching kids how to become the next James Bond. Recruits spend five days working with real spies, running training missions in the streets, and learning to use gadgets. What better way to find out if you have a future world-saver under your roof!

Camps tend to appeal most to outdoorsy kids, but what if your child spends their free time learning about business strategy? That’s where Camp BizSmart comes in. This California-based camp lets 11- to 15-year-olds spend two weeks working with actual companies and coming up with product ideas and business outlines. If that’s what floats their boat.

If those two names sound like locations from Game of Thrones, that’s no accident. Arcatheos and Captivenia are medieval history-style camps aimed at boys and girls, respectively. Both based in Alberta, Canada, the camps aim to teach Catholic kids about their faith through the lens of medieval immersion. They're good for kids aged between 7 and 12.

If you’re going to learn how to become a ninja, you should probably find that monastery Bruce Wayne went to in Batman Begins. Short of that, you could always try Ninja Warrior Camp in New York State. Kids engage in hand-to-hand combat training, obstacle course runs, and even learn how to use ninja weapons. In a safe environment, of course.

The young adult version of camp is arguably going to music festivals, so why not combine the two? Scratch DJ Academy’s summer camp lets kids spend five days learning about every facet of DJing. This includes learning music theory and how to actually scratch. At the end of it all, they get to play a set for their parents. They have academies in NYC, LA, and Miami.

What kid wouldn’t want to spend six days learning how to blow things up? At the Explosives Summer Camp in Missouri, high school students learn how explosives work, how to handle them, and finally how to detonate them. The whole thing culminates in a grand fireworks display operated by the campers. Note, though, that this one is supposed to be for future students of the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

The Hunger Games books and films don’t paint a picture of an overly attractive future — certainly not one you’d ever wish on your kids — but there’s a camp for it anyway. The British Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay Camps — yes, one for every book — pit kids against one another and then against the oppressive government.

A day trip to an aquarium is one thing, but how about getting in the water with actual sharks? High school students can head to this Fiji Shark Studies camp and spend 24 days diving in a specially built reserve and interacting with tiger, bull, and lemon sharks completely safely. You'll earn a PADI Advanced Scuba Diver certification at the end of it, too.

If you really want to get away from your kids, you could always send them to the other side of the world. Seriously, this camp is based in Shanghai's university campus. The camp has kids spending three weeks getting a comprehensive experience of Chinese culture. Activities include Tai Chi, calligraphy, rice farming, and even a visit to a panda sanctuary.

The idea of summer camp is to get kids outside rather than hanging around the house. Yet while D&D might have been the archenemy of summer camps 30 years ago, there’s now a camp just for it. And when Independent Lake Campers in Thompson, Pennsylvania, aren’t playing or creating roleplaying games, they’re getting down to it with Magic: The Gathering.

Sports-based camps are far from uncommon but rarely did the sport in question start out as a fictitious one in a children’s book. The Physics of Quidditch Summer Camp runs out of the University of Maryland. For five days, 11- to 15-year-olds can study and play the sport — after being sorted into “houses,” of course. Alas, there is no magic involved.

Space Camp is, in a way, the one that started it all, the summer camp that showed America that you could do more than canoe and whittle. There are variations all over the country, but the one in Huntsville, Alabama, is one of the most comprehensive, sending kids on simulated missions to the stars. More than a million kids have "graduated" from this camp since 1982.

Plenty of camps on this list are science-based, but Mad Science Camp tries to be all-encompassing. The five-day courses span a range of subjects — including rocket launches, robotics, and chemistry — depending on what the kids are most interested in learning about. These camps are available all over the country, and there are even virtual options available as well.

This camp, located in Grand County, Colorado, is a paradise for nature lovers. Tucked away in the north-central Rocky Mountains, campers can expect to spend plenty of time in the snow or the luscious green nature, depending on the time of year. Snowshoeing, skiing, and tubing are some of the activities that you can expect to enjoy at Snow Mountain Ranch. The campsite itself is filled with thrills and spills including a climbing wall, a roller skating rink, and a pool.

Just 90 miles from New York City, this 320-acre campsite is among the best that Connecticut has to offer. While jam-packed with traditional summer camp activities such as archery, hiking, and ziplining, Club Getaway also offers family game shows and Olympic-style competitions. To top it all off, campers can tuck in at night in one of the camp's cozy cabins boasting breathtaking views of the mountains and the lake.

Who said you have to remain within the country in order to attend a fun-filled camp? For those with a more adventurous side, there's Family Surf Camp in Costa Rica, offering a range of fitness activities including hikes to waterfalls, horseback riding, yoga, and, of course, surfing. What's particularly great about this camp is that there's a professional photographer to take all of the action shots of you on your surfboard.

Would you like to enjoy a holistic summer camp with your family that proves to be both entertaining and educational? If so, then Family Adventure Camp in New Hampshire is the place for you! With the choice between staying in tents or lodges, this camp provides you and your kids with thrilling kayaking and treasure-hunting adventures, all of which teach you about the ecosystems of the ponds and forests while showing you how to identify the local wildlife.

Whether your kids are future marine biologists or perhaps simply looking for an island adventure, then this camp is ideal for your family! Located on Catalina Island off the Southern Californian coast, Jean-Michel Cousteau Family Camp provides campers with five days of kayaking, night hikes, snorkeling, and even a talent show, all while ensuring that they receive ample opportunities to expand their knowledge of the ocean.

Situated on Wisconsin's Elkhart Lake, this camp offers week-long family camps as well as a four-day Labor Day retreat. There is no shortage of activities at Camp Brosius, including taking pedal boats and canoes out on the lake and horseshoe throwing competitions. Of course, we can't forget to mention the camp's movie nights, s'mores, and the talent show. Considering that it's been around for 100 years, it's safe to say that Camp Brosius knows what it's doing!

There’s nothing quite like a camping trip. But although you can forget about the pressures of everyday life while you’re miles away from civilization, there are still certain things you need to be vigilant about. These tips on how to stay safe whenever you head for the great outdoors will become your survival bible, so take note.

Hardcore naturalists may think it’s cheating to bring your own food on a camping trip. But unless you’re an expert on the fruits of the forest, then it’s probably best to steer clear of snacks that grow in the wild. No matter how inviting they look, berries are a particular no-no. But what if you were entirely lost and had no choice but to chow down? Luckily, there are a few rules that could help you out in a bind.

The general rule seems to be that almost all white and around half of red berries are poisonous. So if you really needed to eat, blue, black, or purple berries reportedly have fewer toxic varieties. Still, it’s a minefield if you choose to snack on something you’ve spotted growing wild. Some are entirely harmless, but others can result in serious illness. So unless you absolutely have to, you’re probably best heading to the nearest grocery store beforehand!

Landslides and avalanches can be fatal for people walking or pitching up close to a steep slope. Even the most well-trained in avoiding these natural disasters can get caught out by a sudden shift in the earth. So what can us regular folk do to avoid running into trouble? Aside from the more obvious tips of looking out for avalanche-marked areas and not setting your tent below steep cliffs or slopes, there are a few other fail-safes worth memorizing. 

If you’re headed on a riskier route, then you should wear a helmet and make sure you’re carrying some kind of beacon — just in case. But most importantly, whether it’s a snow-filled trip to the mountains or a camping trip to the sea shore, always research the local area before leaving home. According to the United States Geological Survey, there are a few telltale signs that a landslide might be imminent. Namely, new cracks in the ground or paving stones, a faint rumbling that grows in volume, and trees cracking or other unusual sounds. So if you notice any of these, then steer clear! 

It’s not just during a trip that we need to stay vigilant, either. Picture-postcard routes that wind up through the mountains may sound idyllic, but don’t be caught unawares! Unfortunately, the hazards of camping can begin before you’ve even reached your destination. According to a 1998 study of eight different national parks, over ten percent of fatalities were caused by driving incidents. And being distracted by a scenic view can often be responsible.

The solution to this one is simple — keep your eyes on the prize. The prize being the road and a safe arrival at your vacation spot! Just like with other journeys, it’s always best to safely bring your car to a standstill whenever you want to enjoy the scenery or snap a selfie with the local flora and fauna. This is especially important when traveling on mountain terrain, too, as it can be particularly difficult to spot oncoming traffic along mountainsides with dramatic edges and coiling hairpin bends.

As anyone who’s spent a night under canvas will tell you, camping exposes us to the elements far more than any other regular vacation. Rain, wind — and in some areas even snow — can cause sudden problems at any given moment. Even if you’re headed just around the corner to your favorite local spot, being prepared for all eventualities needs to happen before you’ve even left the comforts of home.

Unexpectedly wet and cold conditions raise the risk of falling prey to the weather, but even typical drops in nighttime temperature can be deadly. Symptoms to look out for include a chilling sensation, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination. The best way to dodge the ill effects of cold weather is to make sure you pack clothing for all kinds of weather, no matter how warm and sunny it may be when you leave home. From thermals to suncream — pack it all!

Building a campfire is all part of the camping experience — warming your toes, toasting marshmallows, waiting for the flames to go out before you can go to sleep. Ahh... bliss! Naturally, playing with fire comes with its fair share of dangers. So if you’re the one in charge of providing heat for your fellow campers, there are a few hard and fast rules that should always be followed.

First things first, build the fire a safe distance from your tent. The 15-foot rule is a good one to go by — simply keep anything flammable at least 15 feet from the flames. And that goes for tents that claim to be flame-retardant, too! Even the sturdiest of tents can go up if the heat gets too strong. It’s also a good idea to reduce the risk of the flames spreading. Using a fire pit is preferable, but building a barrier around the fire can also help. Rocks or any other non-flammable materials lying around can be used to construct your blockade. 

Thanks to GPS and Google Maps, the ability to read a set of compasses or plot your route on a map has become far less commonplace. Unfortunately, for those of us who enjoy losing ourselves in nature, the risk of actually getting lost is all too real. Digital directions are great, but you can’t always rely on a signal in the great outdoors. If you’re not confident in your orienteering skills, then don’t fear — there are still a few ways to keep from getting lost in unfamiliar surroundings.

With nearly 50 percent of the National Park Service’s Search and Rescue Operations being carried out for lost hikers, it’s clear that navigating is a big issue for nature lovers. To avoid being part of this statistic, we recommend buddying up. Before heading out, you should always inform someone of your planned route and when they should expect you to return. What’s even better is hiking with company and sharing your whereabouts with others. 

It can be all too easy to suffer a major fall while going for a hike during your camping getaway. Even the most cautious of campers can be caught out by a loose patch of ground or a concealed tree root. And as we know, the wilderness isn’t exactly renowned for its accessibility! Don’t fret, though — there are certain things you can do to reduce your chances of a dangerous plummet.

If you’re a curious cat who just can’t resist getting a better view from a precarious spot, then make sure to lie on your belly instead of walking right up to the edge. No rushing, either. Take it slow and note any unusual cracks or crumbling that might take place as you apply pressure. Just like hiking, it’s always best to make sure others are close by in case you find yourself in trouble. It’s worth noting that the safest option by far is to avoid getting too close to an edge, period.

Perhaps better known as beaver fever, Giardia reportedly affects more than 15,000 people each year. Contaminated water is often the main course of transmission of the disease which can result in stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. This means that drinking any kind of water that’s been untreated is done at your peril. Sometimes you’re left with no choice, however.

It might seem simple, but when it comes to toilet trips, campers are advised to make sure they’re at least 100 feet from a water source before relieving themselves. When it comes to actually drinking the water, invest in a portable filter and make sure to pack it. Tools let you down? Try a makeshift system. Just cut the top off of a bottle and fill it with stones. After slowly pouring the water through, you should see it start to clear. Just remember to sterilize the water before drinking. 

Approximately 300,000 Americans become infected with Lyme disease every year, according to the CDC. Remarkably, just one bite from a tiny black-legged tick is all it takes for you to suffer. Symptoms can include tiredness, rashes, fever, and headaches. And if these signs are left untreated, the resulting infection can cause damage to your joints, heart, and nervous system. Luckily, there are a few ways to avoid falling foul of ticks, along with the likes of Justin Bieber and Amy Schumer. 

Ticks like to hang out in long grass, so avoid pitching up where the ground is overgrown. Even so, the pests can still cause havoc, so bug repellent is a must whenever you head out camping. If you’re short on spray or want to boost your tick-repelling status, opt for long clothing and keep exposed skin to a minimum. Tick checks should be performed regularly, too. Pay close attention to the spots around your underarms, belly button, and ears. If all that fails and you still get bitten, then remove the tick as quickly as possible using tweezers and a steady upward motion.

Altitude sickness might not be something that most campers have to worry about. In fact, according to various studies, it only accounts for one percent of Washington and California State park injuries. But if you do find yourself heading out to a spot that’s at least 8,000 feet higher than sea level, then you may need to know how to deal with the symptoms.

You might be suffering from altitude sickness if you experience an aching head, nausea, and a dizzy sensation. Although not particularly pleasant, these symptoms shouldn’t be a major cause for concern. In fact, they very rarely require any further medical attention. Still, if you do start to feel unwell, drink plenty of water and stop your climb as soon as it’s safe. Prevention is best, of course, so make sure to research your route ahead of time and avoid climbing more than about 400 meters per day. Regular breaks should help, too!

Sometimes overconfidence can get the better of us. And when it comes to the wilderness, it’s a trait that can put you at real risk. You may think that hiking a certain trail looks like a piece of cake when viewed from home. But it can be a different story when you’re actually out there and exhaustion sets in.

Roughly 850 people rescued each year by the National Park’s SAR teams suffer from fatigue. It’s a figure which accounts for roughly 17 percent of all search and rescue operations carried out. Inexperienced hikers are therefore advised to start small at first, before progressing to longer walks when their body has built up a tolerance and adapted to the environment.

Few people can argue that being by a body of water can be one of the most appealing things about a camping trip. Where else can you enjoy a swim in such scenic locations? And as for keen fishermen – well, the lakeside getaway can be a haven. But fatal accidents can happen even in shallow water, so it’s vital to take precautions when going for a dip.

According to the CDC, there’s an average of 11 fatal drowning incidents every day in the US. And with those kinds of stats, safety in the water should be a high priority for anyone planning on taking a plunge. Campers who choose to make the most of the waters are advised to stay vigilant, ensure they always have company, and that those who require a life-vest have access to one. You can reduce your chances of an accident further by remaining close to your point of exit and making yourself aware of currents, waves, and other naturally occurring hazards.

Even if you’re one of those people who believe that rats and mice have been given an unfair reputation, you should do your best to avoid them while camping. The rodents, after all, can pass on a disease to humans which can result in hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This is an illness that causes significant damage to the intestines and respiratory system.

Rodents’ droppings, their urine, and the materials they use for nesting are largely to blame for spreading the disease in rural areas. Campers should therefore always be on the lookout for any visible signs of the critters. Storing food in plastic odor-free bags is a particularly successful method of keeping them at bay. If all that fails and you find yourself face-to-face with a furry fiend, never touch them with bare hands. Shooing or frightening them with loud sounds or stomps will have to suffice while you pack up camp and find a rat-free zone.

If the weather isn’t on your side, you may have no option but to cook your evening meal within the confines of your tent. But this comes with a whole host of dangers ranging from your tent catching fire to significant burns and even carbon monoxide poisoning. Add to that the danger of your delicious feast’s aroma acting as a dinner bell for local wildlife, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

So, is there a way to cook inside a tent safely? Well, chefs are advised to use a multi-purpose canister stove. These produce a lower flame-up, reducing the risk of burns and the spread of fire. They are also relatively wind resistant and are deemed to be much less risky than other types of stoves such as alcohol, white gas, and wood.

Snakebites are far more common in America than you may think. In fact, approximately 8,000 people on average are bitten by a snake each year. And although less than 0.01 percent of this figure lose their life as a result, it’s still not a particularly pleasant experience. Especially if you’re left stranded without proper medical care in the wilderness.

Campers are therefore advised to give off-trail hikes a wide berth along with deep leaves, tall grass, or any other area where snakes might be hiding. Encourage your little ones to avoid sticking their hands in bushes and getting too close to logs and big rocks, too. And if you do happen to stumble across a copperhead or rattlesnake — two of the most common species — then simply move away.

You may not feel like you need to wash your hands in the wilderness as much as you would back home. But germs still exist in the great outdoors, and so you should do your best to stay as clean as possible. Still not convinced? Well, you probably will be when you read what Dr. Howard Backer has to say on the matter.

Speaking to REI, the water specialist revealed that “fecal-oral transmission” can be a common problem when it comes to poor sanitation. It can, he’s claimed, result in notable intestinal damage. Experts advise bringing a water filter along with lots of hand sanitizer and soap. And just like at home, be sure to wash your hands regularly with soap and clean water.

Of course, bee stings can be a potential hazard from the moment you step outside your front door. But you can be even more susceptible when you’re truly at one with nature. And a bee or hornet sting can be surprisingly lethal, killing more Americans in 2017 than any other wild animal, according to the CDC. So, how exactly can you avoid getting stung?

Well, insect repellent is a must, obviously! This will also reduce the risk of being harmed by any other pesky critter, too. A few other tips include wearing light-colored clothing, avoiding perfumes or colognes, and trying not to get too close to flowering plants. Getting stung isn't always avoidable, though, so pack some antihistamines to help with any swelling. And if you already know you’re allergic to bee stings, then make sure you’re never too far away from a proper medical facility. 

The number of human fatalities caused by bears in the wilderness is relatively low. But according to a 2019 report, animal bites and attacks account for an average of 47,000 requests for medical attention. The risk of death might be low, but due to the media attention each case gets, the prospect can often stop people from going on a camping trip altogether.

If you’re worried about local wildlife, then there are certain things you can do to ensure that you don’t get an unwelcome grizzly visitor. And food storage, in particular, is key. Anything remotely edible should be kept in cars or tightly sealed containers. Food waste, meanwhile, should be disposed of safely in garbage cans that are designed to be bear-proof.

When choosing where to set up camp, a scenic spot surrounded by trees can be hard to resist. But there are plenty of risks associated with pitching up below a canopy of leaves. As well as being a conductor for lightning strikes, they can also cause problems by toppling and falling over. They can be especially problematic if they’re diseased or dying. And the whole tree doesn’t have to fall to cause significant damage, either. A dead branch could also be fatal if it lands on a camper below.

So when it comes to minimising the risk from falling branches or conducting trunks, it’s best to avoid pitching your tent in close proximity to a tree. If you have no choice, then check the surrounding trees for signs of decay. These can include lots of fallen branches in the area, rotting or cracked trunks, missing bark and raised soil. And if you need further convincing to steer clear, then take note of the morbid name given to these dying limbs: widow-makers.

It’s not just getting drenched that you have to worry about whenever a thunderstorm rolls in during a camping trip. For the great outdoors isn’t exactly the safest place to be when it comes to lightning strikes. In fact, approximately 270 people are said to get struck by the freak weather each year, with roughly ten percent losing their life as a result.

Those who survive a lightning strike can still suffer effects several years down the line. These can include heart problems, amnesia, and seizures. Campers are advised to take shelter in their car, if possible, whenever they first hear the sound of thunder. Restrooms and park ranger stations are other safe spots, too. If you have to stay outside, then avoid tall structures and never shelter under trees.