When kids say “I’m bored,” parents often feel pressure to fix it. But research shows that boredom isn’t a problem to solve—it’s a chance for creativity, curiosity, and independence to grow. Here’s what science says about why unstructured time is good for children and how it builds the same skills they rely on at summer […]

Summer camp is woven into the fabric of Virginia childhood. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, thousands of children spend their summers learning new skills, making lifelong friends, and gaining independence at camps across the Commonwealth. But just how significant is summer camp to Virginia families—and to Virginia’s economy? We compiled the […]

Going off to summer camp can be a scary experience for children, but it can be even more nerve-wracking for parents of kids with food allergies. New UVA Health research reveals the most cost-effective way to keep those children safe. For most summer camps, stocking a supply of epinephrine – a common treatment for allergic […]

Every summer, parents across Virginia ask some version of the same question: is camp actually worth it? The cost, the logistics, the separation anxiety — is there something happening at camp that couldn’t happen at home, or at a week of local activities, or just in a summer with more unstructured time? The research says […]

The moment you ask adults about their childhood camp experiences, something remarkable happens. Their eyes soften. Their voice shifts. They say things like, “I loved my camp,” with a kind of dreaminess, even decades later. What is it about a few weeks away—often just two or three summers—that leaves such a deep imprint? Psychologist Michael […]

As families across Virginia rethink how children spend their summers, new parent survey data reveals a clear shift in priorities. Rather than packed schedules or screen-based enrichment, many children are most excited about outdoor, hands-on experiences that allow them to move, explore, and reconnect with the natural world. To better understand what families are seeking, […]

Wondering when your child is ready for sleepaway camp? This Virginia-focused guide explains the signs to look for, how to prepare first-time campers, and what age is best to start overnight camp. Perfect for parents searching “Is my child ready for camp near me?” Is Your Child Ready for Sleepaway Camp? A Parent’s Guide for […]

Parents often choose summer camp for the joy it brings—new friendships, active play, and a meaningful break from screens. Pediatricians see something even deeper. When children spend long stretches of time outdoors, especially in nature-rich environments like those found at many Virginia camps, they experience measurable boosts to their immune systems, sleep patterns, resilience, and […]

Summer camp measurably helps kids. Research links it to gains in confidence, independence, social skills, and resilience that hold up long after the session ends. Summer camp isn’t just a fun break from the school year, it’s an experience that shapes children in ways classroom learning alone cannot. As parents, we want to make informed […]

What Is ACA Accreditation and Why It Matters for Virginia Summer Camps A parent’s guide to ACA accreditation and why choosing an accredited Virginia summer camp can give your family extra peace of mind. When searching for the best summer camps in Virginia, you’ll likely come across the term ACA accredited. But what does that […]

January has a certain mood to it. The decorations are down. The calendar looks suddenly full again. And a lot of parents are quietly thinking the same thing: We need a reset. Not a dramatic one. Just… something that feels better than the pace we slid into during the fall and holidays. For many families, […]