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.
Key Camp Management Statistics 2023 – MY Choice
- According to the American Camp Association, there are over 14,000 day and resident camps in the United States.
- In 2021, approximately 45 million kids and adults participated in camping activities in the US alone, according to the Camping Industry Association.
- The average cost for a week of summer camp in the United States is around $500 to $1,000, but can be much higher depending on the type of camp and location.
- In a survey conducted by the American Camp Association, 92% of campers reported feeling more confident in their ability to try new things after attending camp.
- A study by the University of Waterloo found that youth who attend summer camp are more likely to develop positive social skills, independence, and emotional intelligence compared to their peers who do not attend camp.
- In 2020, camp attendance dropped significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many camps either closing or operating at reduced capacity.
- The top five most popular activities offered at summer camps are arts and crafts, swimming, outdoor activities, sports, and music/drama, according to the American Camp Association.
- According to a report by the Outdoor Foundation, camping is the fourth most popular outdoor activity in the United States, with approximately 40 million people going camping each year.
- In a survey of camp staff members conducted by the American Camp Association, 90% reported that working at camp helped them develop important job skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
- The most common reason for kids to attend summer camp is to have fun and make friends, followed by learning new skills and experiencing the outdoors, according to a survey by the American Camp Association.
Camp Stats
- According to the American Camp Association, there are over 14,000 day and overnight camps in the United States.
- The same report found that the estimated revenue generated by the US summer camp industry was $18 billion in 2019.
- The average length of a US summer camp session is 7.5 days.
- The average cost per week for a US summer camp is $768.
- Over 60% of US summer camps are single-sex.
- The most popular age range for campers is 7-12 years old, accounting for 38% of campers.
- 94% of campers report making new friends while at camp.
- 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
- The concept of summer camp dates back to the late 1800s.
- The first summer camp in the US was founded in 1861.
- The first Jewish summer camp in the US was established in 1893.
- Summer camps were first established as a way to provide a healthy and educational outdoor experience for children in urban areas.
- The Boy Scouts of America were founded in 1910 and have since become synonymous with summer camp.
- The first computer programming summer camp was established in 1982.
Camp Benefits
- Summer camp has been shown to improve campers’ social skills, self-esteem, and independence.
- Campers who attend summer camp are more likely to have positive attitudes toward physical activity and healthy living.
- Attending summer camp can provide a break from technology and encourage outdoor exploration.
- Summer camp can help children develop resilience and coping skills.
- Campers who attend summer camp report feeling a sense of belonging and community.
Camp Trends
- In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward specialty summer camps that focus on a particular activity or interest.
- Some of the most popular specialty camps include sports camps, science and technology camps, and performing arts camps.
- 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.
- There has also been a trend toward more inclusive summer camps that welcome campers with disabilities.
Camp Adoption
- The adoption rate of summer camps varies by region and socioeconomic status.
- According to a study by the American Camp Association, 75% of campers come from families with annual incomes of $75,000 or more.
- Summer camp attendance rates are higher in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the US.
Camp Market Analysis
- The summer camp industry is highly competitive, with many camps vying for a limited pool of campers.
- According to the American Camp Association, 52% of camps report that competition is a challenge.
- The top factors that influence camp selection for families are safety, program quality, and cost.
Camp Demographics
- The majority of campers are white, accounting for 64% of all campers.
- 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% |
- In 2019, approximately 6.5 million campers attended day or overnight camps in the United States.
- 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%.
- Approximately 70% of campers attend day camps, while the remaining 30% attend overnight camps.
- 62% of campers attend the same camp year after year, while 16% attend a different camp each year.
- 57% of parents report that their child’s school breaks influenced their decision to send them to a summer camp.
- 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.
- 81% of camps offer some form of financial assistance to campers in need.
Camp Staff and Counselor Statistics
- The average age of a camp counselor is 19-20 years old.
- 78% of camp staff are female.
- The average salary of a camp counselor in the United States is $270 per week.
- 72% of camps require their staff to have previous camp experience.
- 77% of camps require their staff to be at least 18 years old.
- 43% of camp staff are returners from the previous season.
Camp Safety and Health Statistics
- 85% of camps have a written health and safety policy.
- The most common injuries in campers are cuts, scrapes, and bruises.
- 10-20% of campers experience homesickness during their time at camp.
- 72% of camps have a licensed healthcare provider on site.
- 78% of camps have a designated wellness or health center.
- The average number of first aid incidents per 100 campers is 20.
H2: Technology and Social Media Statistics
- 60% of camps have a website.
- 68% of camps use social media to communicate with parents and campers.
- 23% of camps use social media to communicate with staff.
- 54% of camps use social media to showcase camp activities and programs.
- 38% of camps use email as their primary mode of communication with parents.
Camp Program and Activity Statistics
- The most popular camp activities are swimming, hiking, and team sports.
- 62% of camps offer arts and crafts programs.
- 47% of camps offer science and technology programs.
- 65% of camps offer leadership development programs.
- 25% of camps offer adventure programs such as rock climbing or zip-lining.
- 72% of camps offer specialized programs such as music, drama, or dance.
Camp Food Service and Nutrition Statistics
- 68% of camps offer vegetarian meal options.
- 92% of camps have a registered dietitian or nutritionist on staff.
- 71% of camps have a set meal plan for campers.
- 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:
- The average camp maintenance budget is around $5,000 per year.
- The most common maintenance issues at camps are broken windows, plumbing problems, and roof leaks.
- The average cost of repairing a damaged cabin is $1,500.
- More than 60% of camps require their staff to undergo background checks.
- The most common injuries at camps are sprains and strains, followed by cuts and abrasions.
- The average cost of an injury at a camp is $1,000.
- 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:
- 60% of camps use camp management software to manage their operations.
- The most common features of camp management software are online registration, camper data management, and medical tracking.
- 40% of camps use social media to promote their programs and communicate with campers and their families.
- The most popular social media platforms for camps are Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
- 30% of camps use virtual reality or augmented reality technology to enhance the camper experience.
- The most common uses of virtual reality and augmented reality at camps are for nature exploration and educational activities.
- 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:
- The most common marketing channels for camps are social media, email, and search engine advertising.
- The average cost per click for search engine advertising for camps is $2.30.
- The average cost per acquisition for camps is around $50.
- The most effective marketing strategies for camps are word of mouth, customer referrals, and social media advertising.
- The most popular pricing models for camps are per-camper, per-session, and all-inclusive.
- The average cost of a week-long residential camp is around $500.
- 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.