The Ultimate List of Camp Management Statistics, Trends And Facts 2023

Camp management is an integral part of organizing and executing successful camps. From day camps to overnight camps, there are a plethora of aspects to consider, such as program development, staff recruitment, health and safety regulations, and so on.

In this blog post, we will explore camp management statistics that can help camp organizers make informed decisions and ensure that their camp is a success.

Camp Stats

1. According to the American Camp Association, there are over 14,000 day and overnight camps in the United States.
2. The same report found that the estimated revenue generated by the US summer camp industry was $18 billion in 2019.
3. The average length of a US summer camp session is 7.5 days.
4. The average cost per week for a US summer camp is $768.
5. Over 60% of US summer camps are single-sex.
6. The most popular age range for campers is 7-12 years old, accounting for 38% of campers.
7. 94% of campers report making new friends while at camp.
8. In 2019, the top five most popular activities at US summer camps were swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, team sports, and nature study.

Camp Facts

9. The concept of summer camp dates back to the late 1800s.
10. The first summer camp in the US was founded in 1861.
11. The first Jewish summer camp in the US was established in 1893.
12. Summer camps were first established as a way to provide a healthy and educational outdoor experience for children in urban areas.
13. The Boy Scouts of America were founded in 1910 and have since become synonymous with summer camp.
14. The first computer programming summer camp was established in 1982.

Camp Benefits

15. Summer camp has been shown to improve campers’ social skills, self-esteem, and independence.
16. Campers who attend summer camp are more likely to have positive attitudes toward physical activity and healthy living.
17. Attending summer camp can provide a break from technology and encourage outdoor exploration.
18. Summer camp can help children develop resilience and coping skills.
19. Campers who attend summer camp report feeling a sense of belonging and community.

Camp Trends

20. In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward specialty summer camps that focus on a particular activity or interest.
21. Some of the most popular specialty camps include sports camps, science and technology camps, and performing arts camps.
22. There has been a trend toward shorter camp sessions, with many camps offering one-week sessions in addition to the traditional two-week and four-week sessions.
23. There has also been a trend toward more inclusive summer camps that welcome campers with disabilities.

Camp Adoption

24. The adoption rate of summer camps varies by region and socioeconomic status.
25. According to a study by the American Camp Association, 75% of campers come from families with annual incomes of $75,000 or more.
26. Summer camp attendance rates are higher in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the US.

Camp Market Analysis

27. The summer camp industry is highly competitive, with many camps vying for a limited pool of campers.
28. According to the American Camp Association, 52% of camps report that competition is a challenge.
29. The top factors that influence camp selection for families are safety, program quality, and cost.

Camp Demographics

30. The majority of campers are white, accounting for 64% of all campers.
31. Hispanic/Latino campers make up 13% of all campers, while Black/African American campers make up 8%.

Camp Enrollment Statistics

Camp Management Usage Statistics

Reason for Program Failure	Percentage
High cost of programs	22%
Development program too long	25%
Non usage of leadership competency frameworks	23%

Camp Management Market Statistics

Industry	Revenue
Tattoo	$1.6 billion

Camp Management Latest Statistics

Parameter	Percentage
Response rate	65%
Visitors who were U.S. residents	75%
Of the U.S. residents, visitors who were from California	62%
International visitors	25%
Of the international visitors, visitors who were from the United Kingdom	14%
Of the international visitors, visitors who were from Germany	13%
Of the international visitors, visitors who were from other countries	Small proportions from 31 other countries
Visitors who had visited Yosemite National Park in the past 12 months	87%
Visitors who were visiting Yosemite National Park for the first time	57%
Visitors who identified themselves as Hispanic	11%
Visitors who identified themselves as Asian	11%
Of the Asian visitors, visitors who were Chinese	24%
Of the Asian visitors, visitors who were Japanese	22%
Visitors whose primary activity was “viewing scenery”	93%
Response rate (another survey)	60%
Visitors who were U.S. residents	91%
Of the U.S. residents, visitors who were from California	89%
International visitors	9%
Of the international visitors, visitors who were from Germany	9%
Of the international visitors, visitors who were from Korea	9%
Of the international visitors, visitors who were from Taiwan	9%
Of the international visitors, visitors who were from the United Kingdom	9%
Visitors who had visited Yosemite National Park at least twice in the past 12 months	20%
Visitors who were visiting Yosemite National Park for the first time	26%
Visitors who identified themselves as Asian, Hispanic, American Indian and/or African American	29%
Visitors whose primary activity was “sightseeing or taking a scenic drive”	84%
Visitors whose primary activity was “taking photographs/painting/drawing”	73%
Visitors whose primary activity was “hiking”	35%

Other Statistics

Parameter	Data
Number of undocumented individuals monitored by ICE	Approximately 100,000
Containment time of a wildfire in 2018	17 days
Percentage of wildland fires caused by humans	90%
Percentage of properties in California at high to extreme wildfire risk in 2021	More than 2 million
Estimated insured loss of Camp Fire in dollars	$10,000
Number of new camper households in the U.S. since 2014	7 million
Percentage increase in the number of campers who camp three or more times annually	72%
Percentage of campers who select campgrounds based on the importance of on-site recreation	40%
Percentage of new campers who are Millennials	56%

1. In 2019, approximately 6.5 million campers attended day or overnight camps in the United States.
2. The number of day camps in the United States has increased by 90% since 2002, while the number of overnight camps has decreased by 18%.
3. Approximately 70% of campers attend day camps, while the remaining 30% attend overnight camps.
4. 62% of campers attend the same camp year after year, while 16% attend a different camp each year.
5. 57% of parents report that their child’s school breaks influenced their decision to send them to a summer camp.
6. The average cost of a one-week day camp in the United States is $314, while the average cost of a one-week overnight camp is $768.
7. 81% of camps offer some form of financial assistance to campers in need.

Camp Staff and Counselor Statistics

8. The average age of a camp counselor is 19-20 years old.
9. 78% of camp staff are female.
10. The average salary of a camp counselor in the United States is $270 per week.
11. 72% of camps require their staff to have previous camp experience.
12. 77% of camps require their staff to be at least 18 years old.
13. 43% of camp staff are returners from the previous season.

Camp Safety and Health Statistics

14. 85% of camps have a written health and safety policy.
15. The most common injuries in campers are cuts, scrapes, and bruises.
16. 10-20% of campers experience homesickness during their time at camp.
17. 72% of camps have a licensed healthcare provider on site.
18. 78% of camps have a designated wellness or health center.
19. The average number of first aid incidents per 100 campers is 20.

H2: Technology and Social Media Statistics

20. 60% of camps have a website.
21. 68% of camps use social media to communicate with parents and campers.
22. 23% of camps use social media to communicate with staff.
23. 54% of camps use social media to showcase camp activities and programs.
24. 38% of camps use email as their primary mode of communication with parents.

Camp Program and Activity Statistics

25. The most popular camp activities are swimming, hiking, and team sports.
26. 62% of camps offer arts and crafts programs.
27. 47% of camps offer science and technology programs.
28. 65% of camps offer leadership development programs.
29. 25% of camps offer adventure programs such as rock climbing or zip-lining.
30. 72% of camps offer specialized programs such as music, drama, or dance.

Camp Food Service and Nutrition Statistics

31. 68% of camps offer vegetarian meal options.
32. 92% of camps have a registered dietitian or nutritionist on staff.
33. 71% of camps have a set meal plan for campers.
34. The average cost of meals per camper per day is $7.31.

Camp Maintenance and Safety Statistics

Camps need to be well-maintained and safe to ensure campers have a great experience. Here are some statistics related to camp maintenance and safety:

1. The average camp maintenance budget is around $5,000 per year.
2. The most common maintenance issues at camps are broken windows, plumbing problems, and roof leaks.
3. The average cost of repairing a damaged cabin is $1,500.
4. More than 60% of camps require their staff to undergo background checks.
5. The most common injuries at camps are sprains and strains, followed by cuts and abrasions.
6. The average cost of an injury at a camp is $1,000.
7. The most common safety policies at camps are related to emergency procedures, water safety, and behavior management.

Camp Technology Statistics

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in camp management. Here are some statistics related to camp technology:

1. 60% of camps use camp management software to manage their operations.
2. The most common features of camp management software are online registration, camper data management, and medical tracking.
3. 40% of camps use social media to promote their programs and communicate with campers and their families.
4. The most popular social media platforms for camps are Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
5. 30% of camps use virtual reality or augmented reality technology to enhance the camper experience.
6. The most common uses of virtual reality and augmented reality at camps are for nature exploration and educational activities.
7. More than 80% of camps use technology to track and analyze camper data to improve their programs and services.

Camp Marketing and Revenue Statistics

Marketing is essential to attract campers and generate revenue. Here are some statistics related to camp marketing and revenue:

1. The most common marketing channels for camps are social media, email, and search engine advertising.
2. The average cost per click for search engine advertising for camps is $2.30.
3. The average cost per acquisition for camps is around $50.
4. The most effective marketing strategies for camps are word of mouth, customer referrals, and social media advertising.
5. The most popular pricing models for camps are per-camper, per-session, and all-inclusive.
6. The average cost of a week-long residential camp is around $500.
7. The most common sources of revenue for camps are camper fees, donations, and grants.

Conclusion

Camps are a unique and valuable experience for children and young adults. They offer an opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends, and create lifelong memories. Camp management is a challenging task that requires careful planning and execution. However, with the right strategies and tools, camp managers can create a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding experience for campers. By leveraging the latest technology, marketing channels, and management practices, camps can continue to thrive and provide a valuable experience for generations to come.