Heres What Summer Camp Looked Like the Year You Were Born (2024)

Heres What Summer Camp Looked Like the Year You Were Born (1)

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Roasting marshmallows, paddling around the lake, and learning camp songs may be part of your favorite childhood memories, but summer camps have been around a lot longer than that. Ever since Henry David Thoreau wrote his 1854 memoir about living in a cabin in the woods, Americans have been drawn to the idea of living simply. As more people moved off farms and into cities by the end of the 19th century, educators began promoting the value of connecting with nature — and these vintage summer camp photos prove it!

Summer camp originally catered to boys, who no longer had to learn skills like chopping wood or building a fire. In fact, the very first summer camp was created by a Connecticut schoolmaster for his students in the 1860s. Before long, many charitable organizations, clubs and social groups sponsored summer camps and summer activities. By World War I, girls went to camp, too. Ever since, generation after generation has taken to the woods to return to the simple joys of campfires, swimming holes, and nature hikes. Unlike the rest of our changing world, many things about summer camp have remained nearly the same decade after decade.

Here’s how summer camps have looked through the years.

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1

1914: Learning New Skills

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Here, the American Boys Brigade had a loosely-based military structure and focused on discipline and camaraderie.

RECOMMENDED: I'm So Happy My Kids Are Away at Camp This Summer

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2

1916: Enjoying the Fresh Air

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By the first World War, both boys and girls attended camp programs sponsored by organizations such as the Salvation Army for an opportunity to get out of the city and enjoy more rural pastimes.

RECOMMENDED: Best Kids' Lunch Boxes for Summer Camp

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3

1922: Organizations at Summer Camp

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Organized groups such as the Boy Scouts had their own summer camps from their earliest days.

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4

1927: Summer Crafts

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Boys at this camp are making belts, bracelets, and a summer camp staple: Lanyards!

5

1929: Art Class Fun

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Girls at this summer camp attend art class, which remains a mainstay of camps today.

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6

1930: Going For a Dip

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These girls cool off on a hot day with a dip in the lake.

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7

1932: Sing-a-longs

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Sing-a-longs have always been a favorite summer activity — especially with kids who share a bunk!

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8

1935: Gathering Around the Campfire

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The nightly ritual of gathering around the fire has been part of the camp experience for decades.

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9

1940: Water Sports

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Rowing and other water sports always have been a huge part of camp life. These girls dip their toes in the water to cool off!

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10

1941: Raising the Flag

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Young girls take part in a daily flag raising ceremony at Camp Fire Girls summer camp.

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11

1941: Building a Campfire

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Here, girls learn to build a fire at this Girl Scout program.

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12

1942: Writing Home

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Writing home to friends and family is part of the sleepaway experience. Today, many summer camps don't allow electronic devices, so old-fashioned snail mail still rules.

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13

1945: Summer Camp During the War Years

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During World War II, organizations hosted dances and other activities as alternatives for city kids who couldn't get to summer camp because trains were being used for the war effort.

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14

1946: Learning to Set Up a Tent

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After the war ended, camp was more popular than ever. The girls pictured here learn to pitch a tent.

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15

1946: Sleeping Outdoors

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What's that noise? A cricket? A bear? Sleeping in the Great Outdoors has always been part of the fun.

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16

1948: Taking the Bus to Summer Camp

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Taking the bus was the start of summer for many kids.

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17

1948: Play Time

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The importance of unstructured play for kids was just as valuable back then as it is today. These kids are playing on a rope pulley swing.

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18

1950: Archery in a Field

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Here, the boys are instructed in the ancient art of archery.

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19

1950: Organized Sports

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Campers of the '50s face off with a casual game of baseball.

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20

1951: Medical Care

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Camp nurses were always present, treating everything from scrapes and cuts to bug bites and poison ivy. Some things never change!

Heres What Summer Camp Looked Like the Year You Were Born (2024)

FAQs

What is the oldest age for summer camp? ›

If your child is over 18 but still considered a “kid,” they may still be eligible for some camps. These so-called “youth programs” usually offer more diversified activities than a traditional summer camp and are geared towards kids aged 9-17. So, if your kiddo is up for it – and has their ID ready – they're good to go!

What is the oldest summer camp in America? ›

Sumner F. Dudley, a young businessman, and seven boys from the YMCA in Newburgh, New York, go on a camping trip. By 1891, there were eighty-three campers. The camp became known as Camp Dudley and is the longest continually operating camp in the United States.

What was the old show about summer camp? ›

A group of kids at a summer camp, run by the heard-but-never-seen Dr. Kahn, form friendships as they spend time harassing buffoonish camp counselor Kevin "Ug" Lee.

Why do parents send their child to summer camp? ›

Encourages Self-Development. At Camp, children learn about themselves which helps them establish confidence, independence, belonging, and self-worth. Excelling in a particular activity will make them feel accomplished. Making new friends will give them a sense of community.

Is 17 too old for summer camp? ›

While many traditional summer camps cater to children and teenagers, there are also camps specifically designed for adults, families, and even seniors. For children and teenagers, summer camp typically ranges from ages 6 to 17, with some camps offering programs for younger children as well.

What is the best age for summer camp? ›

Ages 6 to 11

Elementary-aged children thrive at camp, whether it's day camp or stay-away camp. It's the perfect solution to sibling squabbles and long summer days. But it pays to do your research and find the right fit for your child.

How old is Sleepaway camp? ›

Sleepaway Camp (1983) - IMDb.

What is the oldest all girls camp? ›

Farwell is the first and oldest girls camp in the United States (maybe the world!). Founded in 1889, Farwell has been continuously running for 132 years. Our campers are part of our legacy. Family owned and run since 1978 – the Hansons have over 100 years of combined camping experience.

Who invented summer camp? ›

Perhaps the first organized summer camp for children occurred in Gunnery, Connecticut, where Frederick W. Gunn, a well-known abolitionist, established a recreational camp. Already then it was seen as a place where young children can connect with nature.

Did Adam Sandler go to summer camp? ›

Adam Sandler attended the dedicated Jewish Camp URJ Eisner Camp as a child. After his camp years, Adam went to star in films like 50 First Dates and Grown Ups.

What 90s movie was about kids at summer camp? ›

Camp Nowhere is a 1994 American adventure comedy film directed by Jonathan Prince, written by Andrew Kurtzman and Eliot Wald, and stars Christopher Lloyd, Jonathan Jackson and Jessica Alba in her film debut.

What 90s Nickelodeon show was about summer camp? ›

Salute Your Shorts

What age do most kids go to summer camp? ›

In general, most children are ready to attend a sleep-away camp or day camp between the ages of seven and ten. However, every child is different, and parents should take into consideration their child's personality, maturity level, and social skills before deciding whether or not to send them to summer camp.

Do people still send their kids to summer camp? ›

In an August 2020 survey, 30 percent of U.S. adults stated that they have sent or were planning to send their children to summer camp in 2020.

Do kids get homesick at camp? ›

In a recent study, nearly 96 percent of all boys and girls who were spending two weeks or more at overnight camp reported some homesickness on at least one day. Almost all children (and grown-ups!) feel homesick when they're away from home. People's feelings simply vary in intensity.

How old are you when you go to summer camp? ›

Age: Most sleep away camps start accepting children from the age of 7, but many parents wait until their children are a bit older before sending them away for the first time. It's important to consider your child's maturity level and ability to handle being away from home for an extended period of time.

How old are kids when they go to camp? ›

Only send your six- to eight-year-old to camp if . . . Your child is a fairly independent kid (not clingy to you) and can take a shower on his/her own. If your child happily goes to school and is fine at day camps and other activities without you constantly by his/her side, then he/she's probably ready for camp.

How old do you have to be to go to summer camp in America? ›

To meet visa and insurance requirements, you must be 18 years or older before 15th June of the summer you want to take part in.

What is the average age of a camp counselor? ›

Camp counselor demographics research summary.

There are over 103,615 camp counselors currently employed in the United States. 57.6% of all camp counselors are women, while 42.4% are men. The average camp counselor age is 42 years old.

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