Summer camps aren't just for kids any more. Now the whole family can enjoy a vacation at camp. Accommodations typically range from furnished cabins to lodge rooms. Meals are provided, and planned activities are available for every member of the family. There are some great resources on the Web for finding a family camp to your liking. I suggest you start your family camp search at:

American Camp Association, also known as ACA, will be 100 years old in 2010. ACA represents 25% of the camp industry and is the only national organization that accredits camps. To become accredited, camps must meet up to 300 health and safety standards. Over 2,400 camps are currently accredited by the ACA. According to ACA research, 10 million children and 1 million adults attend camp annually, and there are approximately 12,000 camps in the U.S.

ACA's family-dedicated Web site, www.CampParents.org, contains expert advice from camp professionals and child development experts about preparing for camp, etc. It also contains the searchable database Find A Camp, which allows you to search for camps by location, cost, special needs, activities, etc. The Web site is available in English and Spanish.

(Logo © American Camp Association)

Information about camp programs:

In 2006, 75% of camps added one or more new programs to their camp offerings.

We have seen a 90% increase in day camp programs since the 80s.

71% of camps specialize in one or more activities.

19% increase in camp program offerings since 2001.

We have seen a 7,875% increase in camps that specialize in environmental education programs since 2001.

14% of camps specialize in children with special needs.

Camps that offer academic programs have increased 47% in the past year.

Family camp programs have increased 215% in the past 15 years.

Travel camp programs have increased 59% since 2000.