How many camps are there and how many children attend?
There are about 10,000 camps in the U.S., including day camps, sleep-away camps, and travel camps. In summer 2002, 6.2 million children attended camp; 65% of those attended sleep-away camp. “There’s a phenomenon that is unique to sleep-away camps,” Solomon says. “They are developing somewhat of an international flavor.” Day camps draw a homogeneous group from one area, whereas sleep-away camps are more diversified in terms of drawing attendees from a broad geographic area. In recent years there has been a 20% growth in the international market–children from other countries are coming and experiencing this uniquely American phenomenon. This has had an impact on U.S. “campers.” Now, a child from New York returning from camp may not only have made a friend from California, but also may have made a friend from Italy. The Internet helps these kids maintain relationships year round until reuniting at camp the next summer.
