Americans on Vacation: Summer Camps

Many Americans enjoy an outdoor experience at summer camps.

In the United States, summer is the traditional time for vacations. For those who spend most of the year inside classrooms, offices or other indoor spaces, summer camps offer a way to experience the outdoors.

For many Americans, summer camp is a quintessential part of childhood. Day camps offer activities during the day, and the children go home at night. Overnight camps give children a chance to stay for extended periods of time, sometimes up to four weeks or longer. For kids who have never been to camp, a day camp is a good first experience because it introduces them to the basics of camp life but allows them to go home to a familiar setting at the end of the day.

In this photo, camp counselor Tracie Harris, right, helps second-grader Emily Bond catch dragonflies June 13 for study as part of an ecology day camp at the University of Mississippi Biological Field Station in Abbeville, Mississippi. The camp, held each summer in June and early July, teaches students about various aspects of biology and environmental science through hands-on interaction.

Summer camps in the United States might focus on academics, adventure, art, sports or technology. Some serve campers with particular religious affiliations or special needs. According to the American Camp Association, more than 10 million American children will attend summer camp in 2012.

For more information on vacation destinations in the United States, see 50 States in 50 Days.