Not Your Parents' Summer Camp

When I first went to summer camp as a kid, it was magical; filled with adventures like rock climbing, horseback riding, and playing in the lake. Now as an adult, working with camps across the country, I enjoy it anew in a new light. So much has changed from my childhood memories, but the emotional experience remains the same. When we work with a new client to identify the needs of their camp, the “magic” of camp is present, reminding us all of the power of camp.

Many parents today might have a similar reaction to new trends in camp programing. Take Pali Adventures for example… recently featured on NBC Nightly News, this is “not your parents' summer camp.” Activities include ATVs, Hollywood stunt training, trapeze skills, and paintball. NBC reports that Pali Adventures has doubled attendance since 2007. Pali Adventures contributes its success to “giving kids what they want.”

This poses an interesting design challenge that can be distilled down into a few simple questions: what do kids want, and how can we give them the tools to articulate and experience those wants? Pali Adventures is just one example of a camp that seems to have successfully combined both questions. Additionally, by giving kids what they want, they are also giving them what they need. Campers' personal growth, willingness to face challenges, and boost in confidence are evident results of the programmatic success of Pali Adventures.

The shift in focus to campers' wants was recently explored during a survey to address the state of camping among one of our current clients. Our survey results report that much of market growth is driven by camper desires. Today’s camper expects more than the average day at “your parents' summer camp.”

Trends in camping could also be compared to trends in technology. According to Victor Luckerson of Time Magazine, “research shows new tools can make kids more engaged and more creative.” In his article, "Disruptive Technology Is Changing How Kids Learn," he references a survey by PBS Learning Media that reports “nearly three-fourths of U.S. teachers use technology to motivate students to learn.” Despite many critics and roadblocks, Luckerson goes on to suggest that while technology can be viewed as a distraction, it can also serve as a tool to meet today’s kids at their level.

Perhaps the same can be said for “extreme activities” at summer camp. Some may view them as “distractions” while others view them as new tools to reach a new generation of campers. The challenge moving forward will be to design camps that will continue to engage kids for years to come.

Luckerson, Victor. "Disruptive Technology Is Changing How Kids Learn." Time.com. N.p., 11 Sept. 2014. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.