Summer camps are an excellent way to improve your skills, make lifelong friends, create memories, and earn some money on the side. Most countries offer the experience, but summer camps in America are some of the most popular.
By travelling abroad, you’ll gain valuable experience and insight, all while earning a wage. At Wild Packs, we know why people apply for summer camps in the USA. They are some of the most popular destinations, not only because of the beautiful locations across the country but also the rich and diverse experiences and activities you can take part in.
But which states are the best? We look at the most popular states for summer camps in America.
The Methodology
We used data from the American Camp Association’s ‘Find a Camp’ database of 3,947 camps (at the time of writing). Searching specifically for day and overnight camps, we identified the number of camps, programs, and sessions for each location, as explained below:
Camp – The physical position or location where the programs happen.
Program – The package of activities used to achieve the program’s goal.
Session – When the program is run.
The data covers all 50 states and 3 districts and territories, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. You can view the full data for summer camps by state from Wild Packs here.
The Most Summer Camps By State
An infographic of the United States with yellow flags to pinpoint the top five most popular states for summer camps. These are California (467 camps), New York (384 camps), Pennsylvania (264 camps), Ohio (210 camps), and Massachusetts (200 camps). Data accurate as of 05/07/2023.
467 summer camps in California
California sits proudly at the top of the list with nearly 500 summer camps listed on the ACA website. This accounts for 11.63% of all of the camps! The 467 summer camps in California offer an assortment of activities, with adventure and aquatic activities taking up a significant portion of their offerings.
There are a number of sports camps to visit, with Californian soccer camps being in the majority. Pass on your passion for football to the kids of America. For anyone interested in becoming a sports camp counsellor, this might be the perfect destination for you.
384 summer camps in New York
9.73%, or 384 of the camps, can be found in New York. The bustling city of New York, as well as the wider state, attracts camp counsellors from all over the world. There are a high number of day camps in the state, making it ideal for those wishing to nurture the young minds of New Yorkers before exploring the camp and the surrounding area in their downtime.
If you are interested in becoming a camp counsellor at a performing arts summer camp in New York, you’ll find plenty of specialist camps to choose from. At these camps, creativity and imagination are at the heart of everything you do, making for an unforgettable experience.
264 summer camps in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is known for its rich history and its beautiful scenery, which explains why it is the 3rd most popular state for summer camps in America. 264 summer camps can be found here, nestled amongst the rolling hills or close to historical landmarks such as the Liberty Bell.
The variety of camps will suit all. No matter your interests, you’ll find a fun Pennsylvanian summer camp counsellor role for you. With more than 15 years of experience, the supportive team here at Wild Packs will help to match you to the perfect role.
210 summer camps in Ohio
The state of Ohio blends rich culture, the great outdoors, and a love of sport, which explains why there are 210 summer camps here. The major city of Cleveland is a hub of activity, featuring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but there is so much more to the state than this.
Feeling adventurous? You might be suited to an adventure role at a summer camp in Ohio. You could be climbing the high ropes or scaling a mountain before exploring the area and visiting Cedar Point during the summer.
200 summer camps in Massachusetts
One of the reasons that Massachusetts summer camps are so popular is their proximity to some of the most famous universities in the world, such as Harvard University. With many successful sports teams and a dark history including the Salem witch trials, it is also home to 200 summer camps.
These 200 summer camps offer very varied experiences, catering to kids from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. If you have experience working with a specific age group, you can use that to your advantage when applying to be a camp counsellor.
Change The Lives Of Young People At Summer Camps In America
Becoming a camp counsellor is incredibly rewarding. You’ll inspire the young people in America, helping them gain new skills and grow in confidence. It isn’t purely beneficial for the kids either – you’ll also learn new skills and develop as a person. These talents can help your career in the future, so what are you waiting for?
With over 3,500 summer camps in America, you are sure to find the right place for your skills. Apply today with Wild Packs and we will help match your interests with the perfect camp.
