Why should I theme my Summer Camp?
Summer camp is tons of fun, thanks to the hardworking staff who work tirelessly for kids to enjoy themselves. To the summer camp staff reading this, we appreciate you and your hard work! But that doesn’t mean that the tried and true formula of what makes summer camp special can’t be tweaked here and there. Adding an extra twist to the activities on offer will often have those kids eating out of the palm of your hand. Their concentration and focus will be better, and overall enjoyment (for everyone) will take a massive boost as a result. After all, if you receive repeat visitors to your camp each year, it makes sense that each summer needs to be a little different, right? That’s why it’s an excellent idea to theme your summer camp.
The beauty of theming your summer camp experience is that you can customize it to suit your needs. If you want to create a gigantic pirate ship and (hypothetically) sail the seven seas with your summer camp kids, you can. But alternatively, if you’re going to switch up a couple of the typical activities, you do every year, that’s fine too. You’re in the driver’s seat here! That’s why we’ve assembled this list of ideas to let inspiration ring true and give you a helping hand in turning up the volume of this year’s summer camp. So, for fifteen (fantastic) ideas for summer camp themes, read on. You’ll be surprised at how much fun they are!
Fifteen Fantastic Summer Camp Themes for Kids
- Lost in Space
Did you know that the Moon Landing anniversary takes place in July? What better time to get (metaphorically) lost in space? The beauty of theming your summer camp around space is that the concept is so vast. Aliens invading your camp and leaving clues for your kids to find on a treasure hunt? Sounds exciting! Or maybe you want to take a more educational approach and do some stargazing, charting the galaxy? No matter how you theme your summer camp around space, we think it’ll be intergalactic levels of fun.
- Pirate Fever
Aye, aye, mates! It’s time to sail the seven seas in search of treasure! (or better yet, maybe a pirate-themed picnic sounds more appropriate.) Theming your summer camp around pirates is so much fun. After all, the topic is super engaging and can provide activity opportunities for kids of any age. Perhaps you could search for buried treasure near your camp headquarters? Or, for role-play fun, dress up as pirates and have an imaginary swashbuckling adventure! The opportunities are endless – and we can promise you won’t have to walk the plank as a result!
- Enchanted Forest
Step with us into the enchanted forest, but beware of the fairies and goblins dashing past! The concept of an enchanted forest is a super engaging summer camp experience, especially if you are lucky enough to be situated near forestry in your camp location. With just a few fairy lights, strategically-placed lanterns, and electric candles, you can transform the beauty of nature into something extra magical! Sit around a campfire and tell tales of pixies, elves, and woodland fairies that captivate children of any age.
- Camp Olympics
Roll up, roll up; there are medals to be won. The Camp Olympics 2022 sign-up sheet is here! It is one of our favorite summer camp themes, not least because it teaches your children the value of hard work, gives them the skills to support each other, and, most essentially, it’s a lot of fun! With a host of activities to compete in, you can theme the children’s experience around a mini-Olympics, with running races, beanbag throwing, and egg-and-spoon races. But again, remember to emphasize
- Under the Sea
Why not dive deep into the blue with an under-the-sea theme? The wonder and mystery of the ocean is such a fascinating topic for kids. After all, did you know that 80% of the sea remains unexplored? The mystery of the ocean is what makes an under-the-sea theme so awesome. Creating your magical adventure through Neptune’s kingdom is also more straightforward than it sounds.
- Safari Season
Did someone say safari season? One summer camp theme we love is to engage your camp visitors with the spectacular sights and sounds of a safari. Now, we hear what you’re saying – “There are no safari animals in Michigan!” (other states are available). While true, that shouldn’t stand in the way of a safari-themed experience. With a bit of imagination and a few chosen resources, you can create an unforgettable experience.
- Around The World in 80 Days (kind of)
For something a little different, we recommend you check out this next summer camp theme – Around the World in 80 Days. Now, we’re not suggesting you take a bunch of kids plane-hopping around the globe. Not only is that idea completely unfeasible, but also the amount of gross airplane food you’d have to eat. Bleugh. Instead, we’ve thought up a fun way to keep your feet firmly on the ground but still explore the globe. For each day (or week) of your summer camp, pick a different country to theme your events around.
- Fairy Tale Fantasy
No matter what your kids may say, they’re never too old for fairy tales. The fantasy and fun of a good story can engage people of all ages, especially with a bit of magic all of your own. So encourage everyone to come dressed as their favorite fairy tale character; from there, the fun starts!
- Superheroes Assemble
The summer camp is in danger from the cruel and devious Storm-Man! He means to make summer miserable for everyone, sending rain to wash away your summer camp; this calls for a superhero (or 20) to the rescue! A superhero theme for your summer camp is tons of fun, not least because it’ll engage your kids to use their teamwork skills and work together to save the day.
- Witches and Wizards
Fancy a spot of magic? We know that summer camp staff are already bursting at the seams with their unique brand of sorcery. But why not let your summer camp kids in on the fun and cast a super-fun spell over the proceedings?
- Time Travel
Why not consider theming around a different historical period each day (or week)? For example, travel back to the Middle Ages and conquer the dragon alongside King Arthur, or venture further back to Ancient Egypt.
- Dino Week
Speaking of dinosaurs, one of the most popular summer camp themes is Dino Week. After all, everyone loves dinosaurs. In addition, these fascinating prehistoric creatures have been an engaging learning topic for hundreds of years, making this the perfect theme for your activities.
- Detective Challenge
Uncovering clues is a lot of fun; we’re sure you’ll agree. That’s why we think a detective challenge-themed summer camp sounds perfect! Leave clues dotted around the camp and send your kids on a scavenger hunt to discover the prize at the end. It’ll take the most determined detectives to solve the clues and claim the prize before the timer runs out! Working to solve the mystery will enhance your summer camp kids’ teamwork skills and logical processing, making this an ideal summer camp theme. Now, where did we leave that treasure
- Camp’s Got Talent
One of our favorite summer camp themes has to be Camp’s Got Talent. This super fun activity lets you showcase your talent on the final night of camp. Encourage everyone to bring their best talent to the show – variety is the spice of life. With the camp counselors playing the judges, they can score each skill. Then, once they’ve seen everyone, the judges can decide on a set of runners-up and one winner who will receive their very own special certificate to remember their big win for many summers!
- Mystery Week
And finally, we’ve saved our favorite summer camp theme for last. What is it, you ask? Mystery week, of course! What is mystery week, you ask? Whatever you want it to be! The fun of mystery week is that each day, the theme will be a little different. Monday might be an under-the-sea day, Tuesday might be themed around pirates, etc. The real fun of mystery week is that your kids won’t know each day’s theme until it comes around, meaning that you can ramp up the excitement for each day’s activities and surprise them with something spectacular. How fun is that?!
