Big changes arrive at summer camp
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There are even camps that tap into American obsession with popular culture -- for example, "CSI" camps that allow children to solve mock crimes, just as in the popular television series.

Specialty camps often attract older campers, with the ages of participants historically ranging from 6 to15, according to Jeff Solomon, NCA executive director.

Making decisions count
As camp activity options expand and costs climb, it becomes more important than ever for parents and children to make the camp decision together, Smith says.

"Young people who participate in the decision-making about camp with their parents have a far more successful experience," she says.

Consider using the discussion as an opportunity to teach your children about consumer awareness, Smith says.

"The other opportunity the parent has with that participation is the young person is sitting there looking at the economics of going to camp," she says.

Smith warns against falling into the mind-set that the most expensive camps are the best.

"I would caution parents not to jump to that conclusion," she says. "We as consumers tend to do that.

"The best camp is the camp that fits your family's philosophy and child's needs and expectations," Smith says. "That may not be the highest-cost camp out there."

To teach children about the return on an investment, help them determine the financial value of the experience by factoring in whether the activities offered will make the cost worthwhile.

Solomon warns parents not to assume that a shorter camp experience is better, even for a first-timer.

He says it takes children, particularly those being introduced to camp, up to a week to start to make friends and enjoy the experience.

"Every day at camp, that anxiety really dissipates," he says.

Although some camps offer discounts for children of alumni, experts and directors advise against selecting a summer experience based on a family preference, or even a friend's choice.

"Camps today offer a wider variety of activities," Rosenberg says. "Kids are pretty savvy today, and we need to be able to offer them activities that challenge them in ways they're not challenged at home."

Lori Johnston is a freelance writer based in Georgia