It is difficult to give a brief explanation of what American summer camps for children are like because of the wide differences to be found amongst them. Organizational camps are sponsored by such groups as the YMCA, YWCA, Girl Scouts, Fresh Air Fund, Church denominations, etc. Children in these camps are sometimes from homes in the lower economic levels, and from many different cultural and racial origins, but they may also come from middle income families.
Campers pay a moderate fee, with many children receiving scholarship help.
They stay in camp for periods ranging from one to eight weeks. Private camps are owned by an individual or family, usually by the camp director. Children are generally from middle and upper income families. These camps vary greatly in educational policy and program content, according to the particular purposes of the director. Each camper pays a fee and stays in camp from one to eight weeks.