The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Summer Camp for Your Child
How to find the perfect fit—and why Camp Blue Ridge has become one of the best summer camps in Georgia.
Choosing the right summer camp for your child can feel overwhelming. With so many programs, locations, and philosophies to sort through, parents often wonder: How do I know which camp is truly the best fit? This guide breaks down exactly what to look for so your child can have a safe, fun, life-changing experience.
If you’re exploring options for a sleep away camp in Georgia, this guide will help you ask the right questions and make a confident, informed decision.
1. Consider the Camp’s Values and Philosophy
The best summer camps offer more than activities, they offer a purpose. Look for camps that prioritize character growth, independence, friendship, and a supportive community.
At Camp Blue Ridge, a family-owned sleep away camp in the North Georgia mountains, the mission has stayed the same for over 55 years:
To provide a safe, fun, and encouraging environment where kids build confidence, make lifelong friends, and learn new skills.
If you want a camp that feels like family, with directors who know every camper by name, this is a key quality to look for.
2. Look for Flexible Programs That Meet Your Child’s Interests
No two campers are alike and the best camps understand that. When choosing a program, look for:
- A wide variety of activities
- Opportunities for skill-building
- Freedom for your child to explore their interests
- Experienced instructors in each area
One of the biggest reasons Camp Blue Ridge is often recognized as one of the best summer camps in Georgia is its fully elective program. Kids choose their activities every day, from water sports to arts, outdoor adventure, athletics, performing arts, and more.
This empowers children to take ownership of their day and try new things without pressure. Click here to view our entire activity list!
3. Explore Safety, Supervision, and Staff Training
Safety is at the heart of every great sleep away camp in Georgia. When researching camps, ask:
- What is the staff-to-camper ratio?
- What training do staff members receive?
- Are lifeguards certified?
- Are medical staff onsite?
- How is supervision handled in cabins and activities?
At Camp Blue Ridge, safety is the highest priority. The camp has a dedicated on-site health center, lifeguard-certified waterfront team, and highly trained counselors who are carefully screened and prepared to support campers physically, socially, and emotionally.
4. Location Matters—Choose the Setting That Speaks to You
Many parents choose a Georgia overnight summer camp for the beautiful mountain scenery, mild climate, and easy access from states like Florida, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.
Camp Blue Ridge is located in the breathtaking North Georgia mountains, surrounded by forest, fresh air, and nature. This peaceful setting helps kids disconnect from screens and reconnect with themselves. This is something families today value deeply.
5. Review the Daily Schedule and Camp Traditions
A great summer camp blends structure with freedom. When comparing camps, review:
- Typical daily schedules
- Evening programs
- Special events and traditions
- Cabin life
- Activity balance
Camp Blue Ridge offers a perfect mix of routine and excitement. Campers enjoy five elective activities each day, plus camp-wide evening programs like talent shows, color war, socials, and adventure nights. With decades of beloved traditions, campers truly feel like they’re part of the Camp Blue Ridge family.
6. Talk to Other Parents and Read Testimonials
Parent reviews are one of the strongest indicators of quality. Look for:
- Repeat families
- Long-term staff
- Testimonials that highlight safety, friendships, and growth
- Reviews mentioning positive communication from directors
Camp Blue Ridge has hundreds of testimonials from happy parents who describe the camp as a “second home,” a “confidence builder,” and “the best summer experience their child has ever had.”
7. Understand Enrollment Demand and Timing
The best camps fill up quickly. Many parents begin searching for camps 7–12 months in advance, especially for sought-after programs in Georgia.
Camp Blue Ridge typically fills by February, and August is the biggest enrollment month. If you're looking to secure a spot at one of the best summer camps in Georgia, early enrollment is key.
8. Ask Yourself: Will This Camp Help My Child Grow?
A great summer camp leaves a lasting impact. Your child should come home:
- More independent
- More confident
- More socially connected
- Willing to try new things
- Proud of who they are
Every detail at Camp Blue Ridge, from the electives to the staff training to the family atmosphere, is designed to help children “Live Their Greatest Story.”
Why Camp Blue Ridge May Be the Best Summer Camp for Your Child
If you're looking for a sleep away camp in Georgia that is family-owned, warm, energetic, safe, and focused on helping kids grow, Camp Blue Ridge stands out.
With:
✔️ A 100% elective program
✔️ 55 years of family ownership and hands-on leadership
✔️ A supportive and carefully trained staff
✔️ A beautiful North Georgia mountain setting
✔️ A mission centered on friendships, fun, and independence
Camp Blue Ridge continues to be one of the most-trusted and most-loved overnight camps in the Southeast. Want to learn more? Click here to explore CBR!
Ready for Your Child to Live Their Greatest Story?
To learn more or join our Camp Blue Ridge family, visit our website here or sign up for our First-Time Camper Newsletter. Spots fill quickly, secure your place early for Summer 2026! Register today!