As one summer winds down, it can feel a little early to start thinking about the next one. But for families considering camps and summer programs for 2027, now is actually a great time to begin exploring—not necessarily to make decisions, but to understand the possibilities.
One of the most important things to remember as you think ahead is this: the child you are planning for today will not be exactly the same child you send off next summer.
Kids grow and change tremendously between September and June. Their interests evolve. Their friendships shift. They discover new activities, gain confidence, become more independent, and sometimes surprise us with what they are ready to try. A child who wants nothing to do with overnight camp in September may be asking for three weeks away by spring. A longtime sports camper may suddenly become interested in travel or service. A teen who has always returned to the same camp may be ready to add something completely different to their summer.
That is why we encourage parents to approach summer planning with an open mind.
There is rarely just one “right” summer experience for a child. Traditional sleepaway camp can offer independence, community, friendship and a much-needed break from the pressures of the school year. But summer can also be a wonderful time to explore a new interest through a specialty camp, academic program, language immersion experience, service opportunity, sports program, outdoor adventure or teen travel experience.
And it doesn’t always have to be an either/or decision.
For many kids, the best summer may be a combination of experiences: returning to a beloved camp for several weeks and then trying something new; attending a specialty program before heading to traditional camp; or shortening a familiar camp session to make room for travel, service or an academic opportunity. Adding something new doesn’t have to mean giving up something they love.
As you begin thinking about Summer 2027, try not to let today’s preferences close the door on tomorrow’s possibilities. Explore programs your child may not be ready for yet. Learn about options for the next age or stage. Ask what other families have loved. And, most importantly, continue the conversation with your child throughout the school year.
Instead of asking only, “What do you want to do next summer?” try asking, “Is there anything you’d love to try?” or “What would make next summer feel exciting and different?” And don’t stop asking. Today’s answer may very well change over the next few months.
Summer offers kids something increasingly rare during the school year: time and space to grow in a different direction. The right experience can challenge them, introduce them to new people and places, build independence, uncover a new passion—or simply give them a summer filled with fun.
So start exploring now, but stay flexible. The goal isn’t to have Summer 2027 completely figured out today. It’s to know what opportunities are out there so that, as your child grows over the next ten months, you’re ready to recognize the experiences that might be right for the person they are becoming.
Much has been written about the rise in loneliness among kids, teens, and adults. Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called loneliness an epidemic, leading to public health issues such as addiction, violence, depression and anxiety. As we become more connected via social media and technology, we find ourselves increasingly alone. In his book Together: the Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, Murthy describes our world as one that emphasizes the individual, leading to a further breakdown of social connections. In children, the impact is severe, as studies have shown that 40% of kids experience mild to moderate loneliness, and 10% feel severely alone. New York Times writer Kathryn Jezer-Morton recently wrote about the challenges of parenting a lonely child – seeing a child feeling left out or apart from a social group is both painful and worrisome. And as we know, it is difficult as a parent to create a friend group or force a social interaction for a child or teen.
