5 Steps To Choosing A Summer Camp (Without The Overwhelm)

Every year, in the middle of winter, it happens—someone asks about our summer plans.

And just like that, I find myself spiraling into the summer camp registration vortex. With three kids (ages 4 to 8) and different interests, it feels like trying to solve a puzzle with no edge pieces.

But after years of navigating camp sign-ups, I’ve learned a few tricks that make the process less stressful and more streamlined. Here’s how to pick a summer camp—without losing your sanity.

---

Step 1: Set a Timer

That’s right—put a limit on camp research time. It’s easy to spend hours obsessing over every detail, but let’s be real—no summer plan will be 100% perfect.

My mantra: Obsessing helps no one. (You’ll find me repeating this under a pile of camp brochures.)

Block out a set amount of time (maybe 1-2 hours) to research, compare, and make a decision. Trust yourself and move forward—overanalyzing won’t make the summer any better.

---

Step 2: Set a Budget

Summer camp costs can add up fast! Here’s a general breakdown:

💰 Day camps: $100–$400 per week per child (recreation programs tend to be the most affordable).
💰 Overnight camps: $500–$2,000 per week.

📌 Pro tip: Pay attention to when your card will be charged—some camps bill at sign-up, others wait until summer.

---

Step 3: Define Your Summer Goals

Ask yourself two simple questions:

1️⃣ How do you want your summer to feel?

• More structure or more free time?
• Do your kids thrive with activities or need space to recharge?
• I personally tend to underestimate how quickly we all go stir-crazy, so I try to build in more structure.

2️⃣ What do your kids want out of camp?

• Traditional day camp (sports, games, crafts, swimming)?
• Skill-focused camps (sports, music, dance, STEM, art)?
• Social connections—do they want to go with a friend? Or make all new friends?

The right balance of fun, structure, and social time can make all the difference.

---

Step 4: Plan Around Your Schedule

If you work full-time:

✔ Check if your daycare has summer options for younger kids.
✔ Map out school start/end dates and figure out how many weeks you need care.
✔ Look for full-day, all-summer options. Some great Milwaukee-area options include:

• SUMMER I.D.E.A.S. at University School
• Summer EXPLORE at Marquette University High School
• Milwaukee Montessori School Summer Camp
• Ebenezer STEAM-n-Summer Camp
  ✔ Don’t forget early/late care options and costs.
  ✔ Figure out transportation—most camps require parent drop-off, but some offer busing.

If you need camp but want to save money:

💰 Look for half-day or one-week camps.
💰 Consider a summer babysitter or nanny—it might be cheaper than camp.
💰 Try parent camp swaps (you take their kids one week, they take yours another).
💰 Check your local recreation department – they often offer the best value.

If you don’t need full-time care:

📝 Be honest with yourself—too much structure OR too much downtime can backfire.
📝 Find the sweet spot between planned activities and lazy summer days.

If you have multiple kids:

🎯 One pick-up/drop-off location is key. Look for camps that accommodate all your kids or are at least in the same area.

---

Step 5: Register Early (Like, Now!)

🚀 Most camps offer early-bird discounts and fill up FAST.
🎯 Once you’re done, you’re DONE—and you won’t have to think about it again until summer.

📌 Our Summer Camp Guide launches in February—bookmark it!

---

Bonus Step: Write It Down & Color Code It

Once you’ve registered:
✅ Print a summer calendar (or create a simple spreadsheet).
✅ Color-code each child’s camp schedule and stick it on the fridge.
✅ Set reminders for paperwork deadlines—those forms always sneak up!

---

Where to next? Our Summer Camp Guide!

Head over to our Milwaukee Summer Camp Guide to find dozens of camps, organized by interest, age, and location. Happy exploring!

What other tips do you have? Share them with us on social media!