What Parents Need to Know for Summer Camp in Lake George: The Basics

What parents need to know for summer camp in Lake George is first and foremost, that your kid is going to have an amazing time! But especially if they've never been to camp before, you'll want to get a rundown on the info below before registering.

💵 Let's Talk Money

Camp prices can vary a lot, in part because there are several different kinds of camps (covered in the next section). Some are as low as $20 a day, while others might run up to $120 a day or more. 

Note, many camps offer scholarships or discounts, even the private ones. And, some nonprofit camps provide awesome summer camp experiences at little to no cost.

🏕️ Camp Types 101

You'll find plenty of great options when it comes to summer camps in Lake George:

• Overnight camps for a full-on Adirondack experience, 24/7
• Day or half day camps, great for younger kids or first-timers - all the fun, no sleeping bag needed
• Sports camps, perfect for honing skills with a particular sport

🧒 Special Needs? No Problem

Many camps are equipped to welcome children with physical, behavioral, or learning-related needs. They often have trained staff ready to make sure every camper gets to have a summer packed with fun.

If this applies to your family, be sure to communicate your needs and ask questions to find out what their accommodations are.

📞 Homesickness & Communication

Feeling a little homesick is totally normal for kids at sleepaway camp—especially if it’s their first time away from home. Talk to your child about what to expect and remind them that it's okay to miss home (it just means home is a great place!). Let them know you’re proud of them and excited for the fun they’ll have. If this is a concern, ask camps how they handle homesick campers - it’s a common question!

Also, make sure to check each camp’s policy on communication. Some camps allow emails or scheduled phone calls, while others encourage campers to unplug for the duration of camp. Knowing the rules ahead of time helps set expectations for both you and your camper.

🎯 What to Know About an ACA Accreditation

If you want extra peace of mind, look for camps that are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). That means the camp meets close to 300 standards related to safety, health, and program quality. Want to learn more? Visit acacamps.org or call 1-800-428-2267.  

Learn more by visiting the ACA website or calling 1.800.428.2267.

✅ Start Your Research Early!

Even if summer seems far off, but many families start camp planning once the holidays are over. Some of the most popular camps fill up quickly, so it’s smart to start your search early and lock in a spot that works for your child. Many camp registrations open in April.

📋 Get Medical Records in Order

The summer camp will require parents to provide documentation regarding physicals, immunizations, and any other applicable medical forms and paperwork.

❓ Questions to Ask Camp Directors

The following is not an exhaustive list, and if your child has special needs or other considerations you may have more specific questions, but these are a great jumping off point:

• What kind of activities will my child be doing?
• What safety precautions are taken for high-risk activities?
• How does your camp accommodate food allergies and special needs?
• What are your medical procedures and resources?
• What is the average age of the counselors?
• Is there any counselor supervision, or do they work in pairs?
• Do the counselors have training or experience?
• What is ratio of counselors to campers?
• What is your policy on parental visits and phone calls?
• How does your camp handle homesickness?
• What is your camper return rate?
• Are you accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA)?
• Can we schedule a visit to tour the grounds?
• Do you have any parental references I can call?
• What is the camper cell phone usage policy?

Browse Lake George summer camps »

« Back to Summer Camp Guide