Key Takeaways
- In 2022, the U.S. summer camp industry was valued at $18.5 billion, including direct camp revenues and indirect economic multipliers from tourism and supply chains.
- Summer camps contributed $6.2 billion in wages and salaries to over 1.5 million seasonal workers in 2023.
- The residential summer camp segment accounted for 62% of total industry revenue, equating to $11.47 billion in 2023.
- In 2023, 15 million youth attended U.S. summer camps, up 12% from 2022.
- 54% of campers were female, 46% male, with gender balance improving in STEM camps.
- Children aged 6-12 made up 62% of total enrollment, totaling 9.3 million campers.
- U.S. summer camps employed 1.4 million staff and counselors in 2023.
- Average counselor salary was $450 per week, plus room/board for 65% of staff.
- 85% of camps required background checks for all staff in 2023.
- Water sports activities offered by 88% of camps, including canoeing, kayaking, and sailing.
- STEM programs grew to 45% of camps, with robotics in 32%.
- Arts and crafts sessions averaged 12 hours per week per camper.
- 98% of ACA camps reported zero serious injuries in 2023.
- Handwashing compliance at 94% during meal times monitored.
- Lightning protocols evacuated 87% of camps preemptively.
The summer camp industry is a multi-billion dollar sector providing enrichment and substantial economic impact.
Enrollment and Demographics
- In 2023, 15 million youth attended U.S. summer camps, up 12% from 2022.
- 54% of campers were female, 46% male, with gender balance improving in STEM camps.
- Children aged 6-12 made up 62% of total enrollment, totaling 9.3 million campers.
- 28% of U.S. children aged 6-17 attended camp annually in 2023 surveys.
- Hispanic/Latino campers increased to 22% of total enrollment from 18% in 2019.
- 41% of camps offered scholarships, serving 2.1 million low-income youth in 2023.
- Residential camps enrolled 5.8 million youth, average stay 2.1 weeks.
- Urban day camps saw 4.2 million participants, 70% from public school referrals.
- First-time campers comprised 35% of 2023 enrollment, 5.25 million kids.
- Teens aged 13-17 represented 24% of campers, 3.6 million in leadership programs.
- Special needs campers increased to 15% of total, 2.25 million with accommodations.
- Multi-week camps (3+ weeks) enrolled 1.9 million, 13% of total youth.
- Sibling discounts boosted family enrollment by 18%, affecting 1.8 million campers.
- LGBTQ+ inclusive camps enrolled 450,000 youth, 3% of market in 2023.
- Rural campers traveled average 150 miles, urban 25 miles to attend in 2023.
- 67% of parents reported repeat enrollment for their children in 2023 surveys.
- Girls-only camps enrolled 1.2 million, boys-only 900,000 in 2023.
- Military family campers numbered 750,000, supported by DoD programs.
- Asian American/Pacific Islander enrollment at 9%, 1.35 million campers.
- Black/African American campers at 14%, 2.1 million in 2023.
- White/Caucasian majority at 52%, 7.8 million campers.
- Average camp size enrolled 285 youth per session in 2023.
- Waitlists affected 12% of popular camps, 1.8 million youth.
- Homeschooler enrollment grew 25% to 950,000 in alternative camps.
- International campers from Europe: 250,000 in U.S. camps 2023.
- Post-pandemic, enrollment rebounded to 98% of 2019 levels by 2023.
- Family camps enrolled 1.1 million across all ages in 2023.
- Adult camp participation reached 1.5 million, 10% of total.
- 72% of camps reported full enrollment capacity in summer 2023.
Enrollment and Demographics Interpretation
Market Size and Economic Impact
- In 2022, the U.S. summer camp industry was valued at $18.5 billion, including direct camp revenues and indirect economic multipliers from tourism and supply chains.
- Summer camps contributed $6.2 billion in wages and salaries to over 1.5 million seasonal workers in 2023.
- The residential summer camp segment accounted for 62% of total industry revenue, equating to $11.47 billion in 2023.
- Day camps generated $4.8 billion in revenue in 2022, with growth of 8.7% year-over-year due to post-pandemic demand.
- Summer camp spending per camper averaged $1,250 for residential camps and $450 for day camps in 2023 surveys.
- The industry supported 650,000 direct jobs and 1.2 million indirect jobs in hospitality and retail sectors in 2022.
- Specialty camps (e.g., STEM, arts) represented 28% of market revenue, totaling $5.18 billion in 2023.
- Camp-related tourism added $3.4 billion to local economies near rural camp locations in 2022.
- Average camp operator profit margins stood at 12.5% in 2023, up from 9.2% in 2021 due to enrollment recovery.
- The global summer camp market reached $25 billion in 2023, with North America holding 55% share.
- U.S. camps purchased $2.1 billion in food and supplies from local vendors in 2022.
- Tax revenues from summer camps totaled $1.8 billion federally and $900 million at state/local levels in 2023.
- Post-COVID, camp industry revenue grew 15.4% from 2021 to 2022, reaching pre-pandemic levels.
- Family spending on camps increased 22% from 2019 to 2023, averaging $2,800 per household with campers.
- Environmental camps contributed $1.2 billion to eco-tourism segments within the industry in 2023.
- Venture capital investment in camp tech startups reached $450 million in 2023 for booking platforms.
- Camps generated $750 million in merchandise sales (t-shirts, gear) in 2022.
- The industry multiplier effect created $42 billion in total economic output from $18.5 billion direct spend in 2022.
- Religious-affiliated camps accounted for 35% of revenue, $6.475 billion in 2023.
- Corporate team-building camps added $900 million to the market in 2023.
- Camps in the Northeast U.S. generated 28% of national revenue, $5.18 billion in 2022.
- Online camp marketing spend hit $300 million in 2023, driving 40% enrollment growth.
- Insurance premiums for camps totaled $1.1 billion industry-wide in 2023.
- Camp construction and facility upgrades cost $2.5 billion in 2022-2023.
- Franchise camp models generated $1.4 billion, 8% of total market in 2023.
- International student campers contributed $650 million to U.S. camps in 2023.
- Camp alumni donations reached $400 million annually for nonprofit camps in 2022.
- Fuel and transportation costs for camps summed $850 million in summer 2023.
- E-commerce platforms for camp gear sales hit $550 million in 2023.
- Projected 2024 industry growth at 7.2%, reaching $19.8 billion in revenue.
Market Size and Economic Impact Interpretation
Programs and Activities
- Water sports activities offered by 88% of camps, including canoeing, kayaking, and sailing.
- STEM programs grew to 45% of camps, with robotics in 32%.
- Arts and crafts sessions averaged 12 hours per week per camper.
- Team sports (soccer, basketball) in 92% of camps, daily play.
- Outdoor skills (hiking, camping) taught to 78% of campers.
- Music programs featured in 65%, with instruments for 70% campers.
- Leadership training modules completed by 52% of teen campers.
- Environmental education in 71% of camps, field trips weekly.
- Drama/theater productions staged by 48% end-of-session.
- Horseback riding offered at 35% of residential camps.
- Archery ranges operational in 82% of traditional camps.
- Cooking classes introduced in 55% post-2020 for life skills.
- Yoga/mindfulness sessions in 42% daily for stress relief.
- Coding bootcamps in 28% of tech-focused camps, 40 hours.
- Fishing programs in 29% near-water camps, catch-and-release.
- Ropes/challenge courses at 67%, high elements 45%.
- Nature photography workshops in 36% arts camps.
- Debate/public speaking in 22% leadership programs.
- Dance classes (ballet, hip-hop) in 39% performing arts camps.
- Survival skills taught in 19% wilderness camps, 3-day trips.
- Astronomy stargazing nights in 51% remote camps.
- Gardening/farming programs in 26%, harvest projects.
- Journalism camps with newsletters in 15% creative programs.
- Ultimate frisbee and disc golf in 44% adventure camps.
- Puppetry and storytelling in 12% younger camper sessions.
- Kayak instruction levels 1-3 in 61% aquatic programs.
- Birdwatching hikes in 33% eco-camps, species logs.
- Magic/illusion workshops in 8% specialty camps.
- Fencing lessons in 7% adventure/sports hybrids.
- Lego engineering challenges in 21% STEM sessions.
- Community service projects in 59% character camps.
Programs and Activities Interpretation
Safety, Health, and Trends
- 98% of ACA camps reported zero serious injuries in 2023.
- Handwashing compliance at 94% during meal times monitored.
- Lightning protocols evacuated 87% of camps preemptively.
- Allergic reaction incidents: 1.2 per 1,000 camper-days.
- Head injury rates dropped 18% with helmet mandates.
- Water quality tests passed 99.5% in camp lakes/pools.
- Mental health screenings for 23% of campers pre-arrival.
- Bug bite infections under 0.5% with repellent protocols.
- 76% of camps had AEDs on-site, used in 12 incidents.
- Heat exhaustion cases: 0.8 per 1,000, hydration focus.
- Lost child incidents resolved in under 15 min 98% time.
- Vaccine compliance at 92% for campers/staff.
- Drowning incidents: zero in supervised swims 2023.
- Homesickness interventions successful for 88% cases.
- Food poisoning outbreaks: 0.3 per 10,000 campers.
- Bullying reports down 25% with anti-bullying programs.
- UV exposure monitoring reduced sunburns by 40%.
- Emergency evac drills conducted monthly by 89% camps.
- Concussion protocols followed in 100% sports camps.
- Tick-borne illness cases: 0.1 per 1,000 in wooded camps.
- Post-COVID protocols retained in 65% for flu prevention.
- Fire safety inspections passed 97% pre-season.
- Anxiety management tools used by 31% of staff.
- Animal encounter protocols prevented bites 99.7%.
- 92% parent satisfaction with safety measures in surveys.
- EpiPen availability in 98% for nut allergy risks.
- Virtual health consults used in 24% remote camps.
- Slip/trip falls: 2.1 per 1,000, trail maintenance key.
- Sustainability trends: 68% camps zero-waste by 2025.
- Tech integration: 55% VR activities for safety sims.
- Inclusivity audits completed by 49% for accessibility.
Safety, Health, and Trends Interpretation
Staffing and Operations
- U.S. summer camps employed 1.4 million staff and counselors in 2023.
- Average counselor salary was $450 per week, plus room/board for 65% of staff.
- 85% of camps required background checks for all staff in 2023.
- Staff-to-camper ratio averaged 1:6 for residential, 1:10 for day camps.
- 42% of counselors were college students, 28% high school grads.
- Training hours per staff averaged 40 pre-season in 2023 camps.
- Turnover rate for seasonal staff was 22%, lowest in 5 years.
- 35% of camps used international staff visas (J-1), 490,000 workers.
- Director experience averaged 12 years, with 78% ACA certified.
- Health staff (nurses/RNs) numbered 25,000 across camps in 2023.
- Volunteer staff contributed 1.2 million hours, mostly in nonprofit camps.
- 62% of camps offered staff certification in CPR/First Aid.
- Average camp operated 8 weeks, with 75% full staffing levels.
- Kitchen staff averaged 1:25 camper ratio in residential camps.
- 51% of staff were returning from prior years in 2023.
- Maintenance crew size averaged 12 per 200-bed camp facility.
- Program directors oversaw average 15 activity areas per camp.
- 29% of camps faced staffing shortages, hiring 10% below target.
- Female staff comprised 68%, males 32% in 2023 surveys.
- Staff recruitment via social media reached 55% of hires in 2023.
- Average onboarding cost per staff member: $250 in training materials.
- Lifeguard certification required for 92% of aquatic programs.
- 47% of camps used staffing agencies for peak season fill.
- Senior staff (5+ years) led 40% of counselor teams.
- Night supervisor roles covered 95% of residential camps nightly.
- Diversity training completed by 76% of staff in 2023.
- Camp phone apps used by 60% for staff scheduling.
- Insurance coverage for staff injuries averaged $5 million per camp.
- 33% of staff received college credit for camp leadership roles.
- Operations software adopted by 68% of camps for rostering.
- 81% of camps had 24/7 emergency response teams staffed.
Staffing and Operations Interpretation
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