Summer Camp Daily Brief : Friday, November 7, 2025: Camp Industry Growth and The New Rules for Staying Ahead

Story of the Day

Here's a trend that camp professionals should keep on their radar: the global youth summer camp market is projected to grow significantly over the next decade: and specialization, technology, and wellness are driving much of that change. A market-forecasting report estimates the youth summer camp market will reach USD 1.52 billion by 2034 (up from roughly USD 0.843 billion in 2025), registering a CAGR of about 6.5%.

What's more, other industry data point to emerging expectations: parents and campers are seeking camps that offer flexible booking, child-led experiences, wellness and mental-health support, and unique program formats.

But here's the bigger picture. The U.S. youth camp industry alone contributes $70 billion to the national economy, supporting over 986,000 workers. Meanwhile, the broader global children's summer camp market was valued at approximately $20.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $37.5 billion by 2033.

Why this matters for camps: When the market is growing and expectations are shifting, camps that adapt will gain a competitive edge. It's not just about increasing numbers: it's about aligning with changing demands like flexibility, wellness, and participant voice, and doing so in a way that strengthens your mission, brand, and operational resilience.

🏕️ Why It Matters for Camps

Every summer, we're competing not just for campers, but for family trust in an increasingly crowded market. The growth numbers look great, but they also signal that more players are entering the field and parent expectations are evolving faster than ever.

The camps thriving in this environment aren't just running "camp as usual." They're the ones doubling down on what makes camp unique: problem-solving experiences, technology balance, and genuine community building: while adapting to new family needs around flexibility, wellness, and personalized experiences.

Think about it this way: when 25% of parents plan to spend over $2,000 per child on camp, and 17% anticipate incurring debt to do so, they're not just buying childcare. They're investing in outcomes. Your job is to make sure those outcomes are clear, measurable, and aligned with what families actually want.

The camps that understand this shift: from "fun activity provider" to "youth development partner": are the ones positioned for sustainable growth.

🎯 Actionable Ideas for This Weekend's Planning

Review your program offerings for niche appeal. Ask yourself: What's our "specialty story"? Is it outdoor leadership, digital detox, STEAM, wellness? Map one new format or niche you could pilot next summer to attract families looking for more than "traditional camp." The data shows specialization is driving growth: lean into what makes you unique.

Audit your pricing and payment structure. Given the data on parent spending and debt, evaluate whether your payment options: installments, early-bird discounts, sliding scale programs: align with affordability and value messaging. Consider promoting shareable outcomes: what will campers learn, experience, or gain? Make the investment feel intentional.

Strengthen your wellness and safety narrative. Update your parent communications and staff training to reflect environmental readiness, mental health supports, and adaptive outdoor scheduling. With climate risks and economic uncertainty rising, these aren't "nice to have" features anymore: they're expected operational standards.

Capture data this season for strategic planning. Use your registration and feedback systems to collect data on interest areas, program satisfaction, cancellation reasons, and payment sliding-scale uptake. The camps making smart decisions in 2026 are the ones gathering intelligence right now.

Position your brand as one that evolves. Your website, social media, and parent communications should highlight that you're not just running "camp as usual." Use language like "We're rethinking, adapting, and creating new experiences for today's families." It helps position you for growth and relevance in a competitive market.

💡 Quick Takeaways

The camp industry is growing rapidly, but getting ahead of change gives you competitive advantage. Families expect more than traditional programming: they want specialty programs, wellness focus, and flexible logistics that fit their lives. Pricing transparency and clear value propositions matter more when parents are making significant financial investments. Wellness and environmental readiness are operational imperatives, not just nice extras that some camps offer. Use data and strategic planning this season to set up next season's success.

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Want more insights on youth leadership and camp innovation? Follow along at ilove.camp and connect with me on Instagram (@MattLovesCamp) and LinkedIn for daily updates from the camp world.