Every summer teaches us something new.
As advisors, we spend a lot of time throughout the year talking with families, visiting programs, meeting directors, and helping children and teens find summer experiences that feel like the right fit. But some of the most valuable learning happens after summer is over, when families tell us what actually worked, what surprised them, and what mattered most to their kids.
After hearing feedback from families, reconnecting with camp and program directors, and comparing notes as a team, a few themes from Summer 2026 stood out.
Connection Still Matters Most
The activities may be what initially attract a child to a camp or program, but relationships are often what define the experience.
Again and again, we heard about the importance of counselors, cabin dynamics, friendships, and a strong sense of community. Children remember the people who made them feel included, encouraged, and comfortable being themselves.
For many families, the biggest indicator of a successful summer wasn’t necessarily how many activities their child tried, it was whether they came home feeling connected.
Kids Want Choice
One thing we continue to see is how much kids value having some ownership over their days.
Whether it is choosing between water sports, arts, athletics, outdoor adventures, or specialty activities, having opportunities to pursue individual interests can make a big difference. This becomes even more important as children get older and want more independence.
Of course, popular activities can sometimes mean waiting for a turn, but overall, programs that offer flexibility and variety continue to resonate strongly with campers.
Counselors Make a Huge Difference
Facilities, programming, and location all matter, but great staff can elevate an entire experience.
Families consistently mentioned counselors who were enthusiastic, attentive, kind, and genuinely engaged with the kids. Strong counselors also play an important role when something isn’t going quite right, whether that is homesickness, friendship challenges, roommate issues, or simply a child having an off day.
The best programs are not necessarily the ones where nothing ever goes wrong, but the ones where staff notice, communicate, and respond thoughtfully.

The Small Details Matter More Than You Might Think
Food, sleep, cabin arrangements, transportation, and communication may not be the most exciting parts of choosing a summer program, but they can have a major impact on how a child feels about the experience.
We heard from families whose children loved nearly everything about a program but struggled with things like food preferences, difficult roommates, or disrupted sleep. These details are a good reminder that fit goes beyond the activity list.
When we recommend programs, we try to think about the whole child, not just what they like to do, but how they live, socialize, recharge, and adapt.
Older Kids Are Looking for Something Different
As children move into the teen years, many begin to want something beyond traditional camp.
We are seeing growing interest in travel, cultural immersion, language programs, community service, adventure programs, specialty experiences, and academic opportunities. Teens often want a little more independence, a stronger sense of purpose, or simply something that feels new.
For some, that means moving away from camp entirely. For others, it means finding a program that still has the fun and community of camp but offers more challenge and autonomy.
Families Are Thinking More Carefully About Value
With the cost of summer programs continuing to rise, families are asking thoughtful questions about value.
That doesn’t always mean choosing the least expensive option. Instead, parents are looking closely at what is included, the quality of the staff, the depth of the experience, the length of the program, and whether their child truly came away with something meaningful.
A program can be wonderful and still not be the right fit for every child—or every family.
There Is No One “Best” Camp
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Summer 2026 is one we come back to every year: the best program is the one that fits your child.
A camp that is perfect for one child may feel completely wrong for another. Personality, age, interests, independence, social style, and even how much structure a child prefers can all shape the experience.
That is why we spend so much time getting to know each child before making recommendations.
As we begin looking ahead to Summer 2027, we are already using what we learned this summer to guide our conversations with families. We are also meeting with camps and programs, learning about new offerings, and watching how the summer landscape continues to evolve.
Summer may feel far away, but this is actually a wonderful time to start thinking about what your child might want next.
And as always, we are here to help you find the experience that feels right.











