Why You Should Tour Sleepaway Camp This Fall

Fall is here: your child has returned to school, the days are getting shorter, and you’ve already begun to embrace all things pumpkin. Next summer may seem far away at the moment, but if you’re even considering sending your child to their first sleepaway camp or to a new one, one of the best things you can do this fall is take tours of camps in your area. Here’s why you should consider signing up for fall tours of sleepaway camps.

• Get a taste of what summer camp will be like. If your child is a prospective new or first-time sleepaway camper, it’s understandable that you’ll both want to get a sense of what their experience might look like. Taking a fall tour allows you to preview the camp property, facilities, and surrounding landscape. Both of you can get any questions you have answered by camp staff, which can go a long way toward providing peace of mind for campers and parents alike.
• Learn more about camp programs. In addition to checking out camp property and facilities, it’s important to get a sense of what a sleepaway camp prioritizes in its programming. What values does the camp uphold first and foremost? What goals do they set for themselves with regard to what your child will learn and do? How do they handle emergencies and resolve conflicts? These are all important things to learn in order to ensure that a sleepaway camp will be a good fit for your child.
• Compare sleepaway camps. If you’re the kind of parent who likes to research your options thoroughly before making decisions, you may want to kick the tires of a few sleepaway camps before committing to one. If you’re really organized, you can create a list of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and bonuses for the optimal camp experience. This way, you can gather the same data points for each camp tour. Tour guides at the best sleepaway camps will give you plenty of opportunities to do this.
• Give your child something to look forward to. If your child is lamenting the loss of summer, isn’t keen on school this year, or is simply not a fan of the dark days of winter, touring sleepaway camp may be just the thing to lift their spirits. Taking a fall camp tour can help your child to set their sights on next year’s summer camp experience and all the exciting warm-weather activities that come with it. 
• Spend quality time with your child. Let’s be honest: fall can be surprisingly hectic for parents juggling their jobs and other responsibilities along with their child’s school schedule and various extracurricular activities. Previewing a sleepaway camp with your child can be a great way to spend some quality time with them. Fall camp tours offer an easy way to start conversations about your child’s current interests, abilities, and preferences, which change quickly while they’re growing up.
• Enjoy a fun fall activity in nature. Touring a sleepaway camp is one of the best fun fall activities you and your child can do before cold weather sets in. You’ll spend much of the tour outdoors enjoying the crisp autumn breeze, peaceful natural setting, and (with any luck) the blazing glory of fall foliage. Because you’ll be doing so much walking around, you’ll even get some exercise. Who knows—you might even be inspired to organize a fall family camping trip!

Take a Tour of Surprise Lake Camp This Fall

Surprise Lake Camp is a nonprofit organization that provides a home away from home for generations of young people. We believe in the value of community and friendship. Our Jewish values and identity shape our connection to nature. We’re dedicated to helping young people unplug, grow, and develop values, confidence, and skills to last a lifetime, adding to SLC’s storied history as the nation’s longest-running Jewish sleepaway camp.

Take the next step: join us for Camp Tour Day on October 15, 2023! Meet some of our staff and see our beautiful facilities, living areas, as well as learn more about our program.

When you make a charitable gift to Surprise Lake Camp, you give children life-changing experiences. Partner with us to provide campers confidence, growth, friendships, and Jewish identity.  Donate today!