30 resources for students planning to attend a summer program or camp

Whether your child is heading off to their very first sleepaway camp or a teenager is looking to bolster their college applications through specialized summer programs, the "off-season" is a vital time for growth, independence, and discovery. However, for many parents, the logistics of planning a safe, enriching, and inclusive summer can feel pretty overwhelming. From navigating travel requirements and safety protocols to finding specialized programs for neurodiverse learners or gifted students, there is a lot to consider. To help you streamline the process, we have curated a comprehensive list of resources.

This guide covers everything from health and safety essentials and financial literacy for teens to specialized toolkits for children with medical needs or learning differences, ensuring your family is prepared for a summer of success.

Preparation and safety essentials

1. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Safety Tips: Expert guidance on choosing a healthy camp environment and preparing your child for the emotional transition of being away from home.
2. How Safe is Your Child’s Summer Camp: A vital checklist from The Heartful Parent and the Center for Child Counseling to help you vet a program’s safety standards.
3. National Institutes of Health: A collection of data-driven information to help families navigate the selection and preparation process for summer care.
4. Summer Camps and Medical Needs: Advice for Parents: Essential advice for parents of children with food sensitivities, allergies, or chronic medical conditions.
5. Sunshine Parenting: What’s the Best Age for Camp?: Insights into gauging your child’s readiness for overnight programs and the developmental benefits of independence.

Neurodiversity & special education resources

1. American Autism Association: Targeted recommendations for finding autism-friendly camps and programs.

2. The Brainy Moms: Practical resources for helping neurodiverse children thrive in new social settings.

3. Center for Parent Information & Resources: A comprehensive hub for families navigating the unique challenges of special needs parenting.

4. Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA): A hub for parents navigating academic or developmental challenges during the summer break.

5. Milestones Autism Resource Toolkit: A "Social & Recreation Toolkit" that breaks down camp types to find the right fit for neurodiverse campers.

6. National PTA Special Education Toolkit: A comprehensive guide to understanding your child's rights and accessing support services.

7. Understood: Extensive tools for the millions of families navigating ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences.

Gifted and academic growth

1. CollegeAdvisor: Summer planning advice specifically for 8th-10th graders looking to enhance future college applications.

2. CollegeBoard: Resources to help high schoolers bridge the gap between summer activities and their future careers.

3. Davidson Institute: Specialized guides and resources for profoundly gifted students aged 18 and younger.

4. The Gifted Child Society: An educational non-profit providing programs for gifted children from preschool through high school.

5. National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC): Resources aimed at empowering parents to find equitable opportunities for advanced learners.

Travel and logistics

1. When Kids Fly Alone (PDF): A must-have checklist and guide for parents whose children are traveling solo by air.

2. U.S. Passport & Visa Information: The official source for applying for child and adult passports for international programs.

3. TSA REAL ID FAQs: Stay up-to-date on federal identification requirements for domestic travel.

Skill building & community

1. Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National resources to help parents empower their children through community-based summer programs.

2. EAA Young Eagles: An incredible initiative offering children their first free airplane ride and resources for future pilots.
3. Federal Aviation Administration: Requirements and process for obtaining a student pilot certificate, which is required before an individual can fly an aircraft solo.

4. NerdWallet: Best Credit Cards for Teens: Help your teenager build financial literacy and credit while they manage their summer budget.

5. PADI Scuba Certifications: Discover how your child can earn college credit or vocational funding through professional diving certifications.

6. Red Cross Lifeguard Training: Prepare your teen for summer employment with nationally recognized aquatic emergency training.

Miscellaneous

1. 5 Tips for Surviving Your Child’s First Stay at Overnight Camp: Tips to help parents cope with missing their child and ways to use the time for self-care, fun activities, and personal growth.
2. Human Rights Campaign (HRC): This organization supports LGBTQ+ parents and those serving them by creating welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ families and youth.
3. A Data-Driven Approach to Summer Camp: Parent Data shares the benefits of children attending summer programs and how parents can choose the best-fit camp for their children.
4. National Summer Learning Association (NSLA): Resources, guides, and links designed to help parents support their children’s learning, growth, and well-being year-round, particularly during the summer months and in times of disruption to the traditional school year.