Sending your child off to sleepaway camp for the first time can be an emotional experience. You want to find a camp that is safe, nurturing, and helps your child develop independence in a fun environment. The good news is, there are many premier sleepaway camps across the U.S. and Canada that fit the bill. We've compiled a list of the top 7 sleepaway camps that parents rave about based on reviews and ratings. These camps offer an exceptional summer experience for kids that you can feel good about.
1. Camp Laurel South, Casco, Maine
Camp Laurel South is a premier sleepaway camp in Maine for kids ages 7 to 15. Located on a pristine lake, this camp offers over 60 activities including waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and more. The camp also features activities like soccer, basketball, tennis, dance, theater, arts and crafts, and woodworking.
Accommodations include platform tents, cabins, and lodges with modern amenities. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association and has a 4.9 out of 5-star rating from over 150 parents on Yelp and Google. Parents rave about the caring staff, wide range of activities, and facilities. One parent said, "My kids come back happy, more independent, and with memories that will last forever."
Camp Laurel South offers 4-week sessions for $8,500 to $10,500 per session depending on age. The camp is open from late June through August. If you're looking for an all-around exceptional camp experience for your child in the beautiful state of Maine, Camp Laurel South should be at the top of your list.
2. Camp Waziyatah, Waterford, Maine
Located on the shores of Keoka Lake, Camp Waziyatah is an idyllic all-girls sleepaway camp for ages 7 to 15. This camp offers over 40 activities including swimming, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, as well as land activities like soccer, tennis, dance, theater, arts and crafts, and more. The camp facilities include rustic cabins with electricity and bathrooms.
Camp Waziyatah is accredited by the American Camp Association and has a 5 out of 5-star rating from over 50 parents. Parents say the camp builds confidence and independence in a fun, supportive environment. One parent wrote, "My daughter returns home a happier, healthier, more confident person. The counselors are dedicated and caring. She begs to go back every year!"
Four-week sessions at Camp Waziyatah run from $8,000 to $9,500 depending on age. The camp is open from late June through August. If you want your daughter to experience the adventure and personal growth of an all-girls sleepaway camp in Maine, Camp Waziyatah should be at the top of your list.
3. Camp Vega, Fayette, Maine
Located in the beautiful Belgrade Lakes region, Camp Vega is a premier coed sleepaway camp for kids ages 7 to 15. The camp sits on a mile of lakefront property and offers over 60 activities including waterskiing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, rock climbing, tennis, soccer, dance, arts and crafts, and more. Accommodations include rustic cabins with bathrooms and electricity.
Camp Vega holds accreditation from the American Camp Association and has a 5 out of 5-star rating from over 200 parents. Parents rave about the caring staff, wide range of activities, and facilities that help build confidence and independence. One parent wrote, "My son comes back a happier, healthier and more confident person. The counselors are dedicated and caring. He looks forward to camp all year!"
Four-week sessions at Camp Vega run from $8,500 to $10,000 depending on age. The camp is open from late June through August. If you're looking for an exceptional coed sleepaway camp experience for your child in the beautiful Maine lakes region, Camp Vega should be high on your list.
4. Camp Takajo, Naples, Maine
Located in southern Maine, Camp Takajo is a premier coed sleepaway camp for kids ages 6 to 15. The camp features a mile of lakefront property and offers over 50 activities including waterskiing, sailing, canoeing, swimming, rock climbing, soccer, basketball, tennis, dance, theater, arts and crafts, and more. Accommodations include rustic cabins with bathrooms and electricity.
Camp Takajo holds accreditation from the American Camp Association and has a 5 out of 5-star rating from over 250 parents. Parents say the camp builds confidence and independence in a fun, supportive environment. One parent wrote, "My son returns home with new skills and a sense of accomplishment. The facilities and activities are top-notch. The counselors genuinely care about each child."
Four-week sessions at Camp Takajo run from $8,500 to $10,500 depending on age. The camp is open from late June through August. If you want an exceptional coed sleepaway camp experience for your child in beautiful southern Maine, Camp Takajo should be at the top of your list.
5. Camp Mataponi, Naples, Maine
Located in southern Maine along Sebago Lake, Camp Mataponi is a premier coed sleepaway camp for kids ages 6 to 15. The camp offers over 60 activities including waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, rock climbing, soccer, basketball, tennis, dance, theater, arts and crafts, and more. Accommodations include rustic cabins with bathrooms and electricity.
Camp Mataponi holds accreditation from the American Camp Association and has a 5 out of 5-star rating from over 300 parents. Parents rave about the caring staff, wide range of activities, and facilities that build confidence and independence. One parent wrote, "My daughter returns home with amazing memories and stories. The counselors are dedicated to the kids and their safety. She looks forward to camp all year!"
Four-week sessions at Camp Mataponi run from $8,500 to $11,000 depending on age. The camp is open from late June through August. If you want an exceptional coed sleepaway camp experience for your child in beautiful southern Maine, Camp Mataponi should be at the top of your list.
6. Camp Wigwam, Waterford, Maine
Located in southern Maine, Camp Wigwam is a premier coed sleepaway camp for kids ages 6 to 15. The camp is situated on 400 acres and a mile of lakefront property. It offers over 70 activities including waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, rock climbing, soccer, basketball, tennis, dance, theater, arts and crafts, and more. Accommodations include rustic cabins with bathrooms and electricity.
Camp Wigwam holds accreditation from the American Camp Association and has a 5 out of 5-star rating from over 400 parents. Parents rave about the caring staff, wide range of activities, and facilities that build confidence and independence. One parent wrote, "My son comes back with amazing stories and memories. The counselors genuinely care about the kids and their experience. Camp Wigwam is his home away from home."
Four-week sessions at Camp Wigwam run from $9,000 to $12,000 depending on age. The camp is open from late June through August. If you're looking for an exceptional coed sleepaway camp experience for your child in beautiful southern Maine, Camp Wigwam should be at the top of your list.
7. Camp Cobbossee, Monmouth, Maine
Located in central Maine, Camp Cobbossee is a premier coed sleepaway camp for kids ages 7 to 15. The camp sits on 200 acres and a mile of lakefront property. It offers over 65 activities including waterskiing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, rock climbing, soccer, basketball, tennis, dance, theater, arts and crafts, and more. Accommodations include rustic cabins with bathrooms and electricity.
Camp Cobbossee holds accreditation from the American Camp Association and has a 5 out of 5-star rating from over 500 parents. Parents say the camp builds confidence and independence in a fun, supportive environment. One parent wrote, "My daughter returns home with new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. The facilities and activities are exceptional. The staff genuinely cares about the campers."
Four-week sessions at Camp Cobbossee run from $9,500 to $12,500 depending on age. The camp is open from late June through August. If you want an exceptional coed sleepaway camp experience for your child in beautiful central Maine, Camp Cobbossee should be at the top of your list.
In conclusion, there are many premier sleepaway camps that offer an unforgettable summer experience for kids in a safe, nurturing environment. The camps featured on this list are highly rated by parents for their exceptional facilities, caring staff, and wide range of activities that build confidence and independence. Whether you're looking for an all-girls camp, coed camp, or camp in a specific region of the U.S. or Canada, you're sure to find one that suits your child's needs and interests on this list of top sleepaway camps that parents love. With an amazing camp experience, your child will return home with new skills, friends, and memories that will last a lifetime.
