GITNUXREPORT 2026

Summer Camp Industry Statistics

The summer camp industry is a multi-billion dollar sector providing enrichment and substantial economic impact.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In 2023, 15 million youth attended U.S. summer camps, up 12% from 2022.

Statistic 2

54% of campers were female, 46% male, with gender balance improving in STEM camps.

Statistic 3

Children aged 6-12 made up 62% of total enrollment, totaling 9.3 million campers.

Statistic 4

28% of U.S. children aged 6-17 attended camp annually in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 5

Hispanic/Latino campers increased to 22% of total enrollment from 18% in 2019.

Statistic 6

41% of camps offered scholarships, serving 2.1 million low-income youth in 2023.

Statistic 7

Residential camps enrolled 5.8 million youth, average stay 2.1 weeks.

Statistic 8

Urban day camps saw 4.2 million participants, 70% from public school referrals.

Statistic 9

First-time campers comprised 35% of 2023 enrollment, 5.25 million kids.

Statistic 10

Teens aged 13-17 represented 24% of campers, 3.6 million in leadership programs.

Statistic 11

Special needs campers increased to 15% of total, 2.25 million with accommodations.

Statistic 12

Multi-week camps (3+ weeks) enrolled 1.9 million, 13% of total youth.

Statistic 13

Sibling discounts boosted family enrollment by 18%, affecting 1.8 million campers.

Statistic 14

LGBTQ+ inclusive camps enrolled 450,000 youth, 3% of market in 2023.

Statistic 15

Rural campers traveled average 150 miles, urban 25 miles to attend in 2023.

Statistic 16

67% of parents reported repeat enrollment for their children in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 17

Girls-only camps enrolled 1.2 million, boys-only 900,000 in 2023.

Statistic 18

Military family campers numbered 750,000, supported by DoD programs.

Statistic 19

Asian American/Pacific Islander enrollment at 9%, 1.35 million campers.

Statistic 20

Black/African American campers at 14%, 2.1 million in 2023.

Statistic 21

White/Caucasian majority at 52%, 7.8 million campers.

Statistic 22

Average camp size enrolled 285 youth per session in 2023.

Statistic 23

Waitlists affected 12% of popular camps, 1.8 million youth.

Statistic 24

Homeschooler enrollment grew 25% to 950,000 in alternative camps.

Statistic 25

International campers from Europe: 250,000 in U.S. camps 2023.

Statistic 26

Post-pandemic, enrollment rebounded to 98% of 2019 levels by 2023.

Statistic 27

Family camps enrolled 1.1 million across all ages in 2023.

Statistic 28

Adult camp participation reached 1.5 million, 10% of total.

Statistic 29

72% of camps reported full enrollment capacity in summer 2023.

Statistic 30

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.

Statistic 31

Summer camps contributed $6.2 billion in wages and salaries to over 1.5 million seasonal workers in 2023.

Statistic 32

The residential summer camp segment accounted for 62% of total industry revenue, equating to $11.47 billion in 2023.

Statistic 33

Day camps generated $4.8 billion in revenue in 2022, with growth of 8.7% year-over-year due to post-pandemic demand.

Statistic 34

Summer camp spending per camper averaged $1,250 for residential camps and $450 for day camps in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 35

The industry supported 650,000 direct jobs and 1.2 million indirect jobs in hospitality and retail sectors in 2022.

Statistic 36

Specialty camps (e.g., STEM, arts) represented 28% of market revenue, totaling $5.18 billion in 2023.

Statistic 37

Camp-related tourism added $3.4 billion to local economies near rural camp locations in 2022.

Statistic 38

Average camp operator profit margins stood at 12.5% in 2023, up from 9.2% in 2021 due to enrollment recovery.

Statistic 39

The global summer camp market reached $25 billion in 2023, with North America holding 55% share.

Statistic 40

U.S. camps purchased $2.1 billion in food and supplies from local vendors in 2022.

Statistic 41

Tax revenues from summer camps totaled $1.8 billion federally and $900 million at state/local levels in 2023.

Statistic 42

Post-COVID, camp industry revenue grew 15.4% from 2021 to 2022, reaching pre-pandemic levels.

Statistic 43

Family spending on camps increased 22% from 2019 to 2023, averaging $2,800 per household with campers.

Statistic 44

Environmental camps contributed $1.2 billion to eco-tourism segments within the industry in 2023.

Statistic 45

Venture capital investment in camp tech startups reached $450 million in 2023 for booking platforms.

Statistic 46

Camps generated $750 million in merchandise sales (t-shirts, gear) in 2022.

Statistic 47

The industry multiplier effect created $42 billion in total economic output from $18.5 billion direct spend in 2022.

Statistic 48

Religious-affiliated camps accounted for 35% of revenue, $6.475 billion in 2023.

Statistic 49

Corporate team-building camps added $900 million to the market in 2023.

Statistic 50

Camps in the Northeast U.S. generated 28% of national revenue, $5.18 billion in 2022.

Statistic 51

Online camp marketing spend hit $300 million in 2023, driving 40% enrollment growth.

Statistic 52

Insurance premiums for camps totaled $1.1 billion industry-wide in 2023.

Statistic 53

Camp construction and facility upgrades cost $2.5 billion in 2022-2023.

Statistic 54

Franchise camp models generated $1.4 billion, 8% of total market in 2023.

Statistic 55

International student campers contributed $650 million to U.S. camps in 2023.

Statistic 56

Camp alumni donations reached $400 million annually for nonprofit camps in 2022.

Statistic 57

Fuel and transportation costs for camps summed $850 million in summer 2023.

Statistic 58

E-commerce platforms for camp gear sales hit $550 million in 2023.

Statistic 59

Projected 2024 industry growth at 7.2%, reaching $19.8 billion in revenue.

Statistic 60

Water sports activities offered by 88% of camps, including canoeing, kayaking, and sailing.

Statistic 61

STEM programs grew to 45% of camps, with robotics in 32%.

Statistic 62

Arts and crafts sessions averaged 12 hours per week per camper.

Statistic 63

Team sports (soccer, basketball) in 92% of camps, daily play.

Statistic 64

Outdoor skills (hiking, camping) taught to 78% of campers.

Statistic 65

Music programs featured in 65%, with instruments for 70% campers.

Statistic 66

Leadership training modules completed by 52% of teen campers.

Statistic 67

Environmental education in 71% of camps, field trips weekly.

Statistic 68

Drama/theater productions staged by 48% end-of-session.

Statistic 69

Horseback riding offered at 35% of residential camps.

Statistic 70

Archery ranges operational in 82% of traditional camps.

Statistic 71

Cooking classes introduced in 55% post-2020 for life skills.

Statistic 72

Yoga/mindfulness sessions in 42% daily for stress relief.

Statistic 73

Coding bootcamps in 28% of tech-focused camps, 40 hours.

Statistic 74

Fishing programs in 29% near-water camps, catch-and-release.

Statistic 75

Ropes/challenge courses at 67%, high elements 45%.

Statistic 76

Nature photography workshops in 36% arts camps.

Statistic 77

Debate/public speaking in 22% leadership programs.

Statistic 78

Dance classes (ballet, hip-hop) in 39% performing arts camps.

Statistic 79

Survival skills taught in 19% wilderness camps, 3-day trips.

Statistic 80

Astronomy stargazing nights in 51% remote camps.

Statistic 81

Gardening/farming programs in 26%, harvest projects.

Statistic 82

Journalism camps with newsletters in 15% creative programs.

Statistic 83

Ultimate frisbee and disc golf in 44% adventure camps.

Statistic 84

Puppetry and storytelling in 12% younger camper sessions.

Statistic 85

Kayak instruction levels 1-3 in 61% aquatic programs.

Statistic 86

Birdwatching hikes in 33% eco-camps, species logs.

Statistic 87

Magic/illusion workshops in 8% specialty camps.

Statistic 88

Fencing lessons in 7% adventure/sports hybrids.

Statistic 89

Lego engineering challenges in 21% STEM sessions.

Statistic 90

Community service projects in 59% character camps.

Statistic 91

98% of ACA camps reported zero serious injuries in 2023.

Statistic 92

Handwashing compliance at 94% during meal times monitored.

Statistic 93

Lightning protocols evacuated 87% of camps preemptively.

Statistic 94

Allergic reaction incidents: 1.2 per 1,000 camper-days.

Statistic 95

Head injury rates dropped 18% with helmet mandates.

Statistic 96

Water quality tests passed 99.5% in camp lakes/pools.

Statistic 97

Mental health screenings for 23% of campers pre-arrival.

Statistic 98

Bug bite infections under 0.5% with repellent protocols.

Statistic 99

76% of camps had AEDs on-site, used in 12 incidents.

Statistic 100

Heat exhaustion cases: 0.8 per 1,000, hydration focus.

Statistic 101

Lost child incidents resolved in under 15 min 98% time.

Statistic 102

Vaccine compliance at 92% for campers/staff.

Statistic 103

Drowning incidents: zero in supervised swims 2023.

Statistic 104

Homesickness interventions successful for 88% cases.

Statistic 105

Food poisoning outbreaks: 0.3 per 10,000 campers.

Statistic 106

Bullying reports down 25% with anti-bullying programs.

Statistic 107

UV exposure monitoring reduced sunburns by 40%.

Statistic 108

Emergency evac drills conducted monthly by 89% camps.

Statistic 109

Concussion protocols followed in 100% sports camps.

Statistic 110

Tick-borne illness cases: 0.1 per 1,000 in wooded camps.

Statistic 111

Post-COVID protocols retained in 65% for flu prevention.

Statistic 112

Fire safety inspections passed 97% pre-season.

Statistic 113

Anxiety management tools used by 31% of staff.

Statistic 114

Animal encounter protocols prevented bites 99.7%.

Statistic 115

92% parent satisfaction with safety measures in surveys.

Statistic 116

EpiPen availability in 98% for nut allergy risks.

Statistic 117

Virtual health consults used in 24% remote camps.

Statistic 118

Slip/trip falls: 2.1 per 1,000, trail maintenance key.

Statistic 119

Sustainability trends: 68% camps zero-waste by 2025.

Statistic 120

Tech integration: 55% VR activities for safety sims.

Statistic 121

Inclusivity audits completed by 49% for accessibility.

Statistic 122

U.S. summer camps employed 1.4 million staff and counselors in 2023.

Statistic 123

Average counselor salary was $450 per week, plus room/board for 65% of staff.

Statistic 124

85% of camps required background checks for all staff in 2023.

Statistic 125

Staff-to-camper ratio averaged 1:6 for residential, 1:10 for day camps.

Statistic 126

42% of counselors were college students, 28% high school grads.

Statistic 127

Training hours per staff averaged 40 pre-season in 2023 camps.

Statistic 128

Turnover rate for seasonal staff was 22%, lowest in 5 years.

Statistic 129

35% of camps used international staff visas (J-1), 490,000 workers.

Statistic 130

Director experience averaged 12 years, with 78% ACA certified.

Statistic 131

Health staff (nurses/RNs) numbered 25,000 across camps in 2023.

Statistic 132

Volunteer staff contributed 1.2 million hours, mostly in nonprofit camps.

Statistic 133

62% of camps offered staff certification in CPR/First Aid.

Statistic 134

Average camp operated 8 weeks, with 75% full staffing levels.

Statistic 135

Kitchen staff averaged 1:25 camper ratio in residential camps.

Statistic 136

51% of staff were returning from prior years in 2023.

Statistic 137

Maintenance crew size averaged 12 per 200-bed camp facility.

Statistic 138

Program directors oversaw average 15 activity areas per camp.

Statistic 139

29% of camps faced staffing shortages, hiring 10% below target.

Statistic 140

Female staff comprised 68%, males 32% in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 141

Staff recruitment via social media reached 55% of hires in 2023.

Statistic 142

Average onboarding cost per staff member: $250 in training materials.

Statistic 143

Lifeguard certification required for 92% of aquatic programs.

Statistic 144

47% of camps used staffing agencies for peak season fill.

Statistic 145

Senior staff (5+ years) led 40% of counselor teams.

Statistic 146

Night supervisor roles covered 95% of residential camps nightly.

Statistic 147

Diversity training completed by 76% of staff in 2023.

Statistic 148

Camp phone apps used by 60% for staff scheduling.

Statistic 149

Insurance coverage for staff injuries averaged $5 million per camp.

Statistic 150

33% of staff received college credit for camp leadership roles.

Statistic 151

Operations software adopted by 68% of camps for rostering.

Statistic 152

81% of camps had 24/7 emergency response teams staffed.

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While we often picture summer camp as a simple childhood escape, the numbers reveal a thriving economic powerhouse, with the U.S. industry generating $18.5 billion in economic output and supporting millions of jobs.

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

While summer camps have impressively rebounded to near-universal capacity since the pandemic, their true modern triumph lies in becoming more equitable, accessible, and diverse, serving a record 15 million kids who are increasingly representative of America itself.

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

Far from being just a nostalgic escape, the U.S. summer camp industry is a robust, $18.5-billion economic engine that wires money to seasonal workers, bolsters local vendors, and, for the price of a good laptop, transforms into a significant driver of tourism and taxes.

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

The modern summer camp has evolved from a simple lakeside escape into a meticulously engineered childhood microcosm, where a camper might deconstruct a robot in the morning, rebuild trust on a high ropes course after lunch, and then debate the ethics of their catch-and-release fishing haul before evening stargazing, all while inadvertently learning to launder a shirt covered in clay and campfire smoke.

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

The summer camp industry has evidently evolved from its bug-juice-and-band-aids era into a data-driven safety operation where lightning gets a head start, peanut butter is treated like a biohazard, and the biggest risk is now probably a camper’s smartphone battery dying.

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

The summer camp industry is a meticulously organized, low-budget production of childhood magic, run largely by enthusiastic college students who are thoroughly vetted, decently trained, and paid mostly in sunburn and life experience.

Sources & References