The first summer camp survey for the field was conducted this spring. The results are significant.
Summer camps are in high demand and produce a lot of money for programs. Thus, LERN is recommending every program create or expand their summer youth program. That includes summer youth programs sponsored by universities, community colleges, public schools, and recreation departments.
Data Measured
The survey measures these important data:
1.Income
2.Registrations
3.Camp revenue as a percentage of total program income
4.Marketing budget
5.Type of print activity guide or brochure
6.Number of camps offered
7.Percentage of camps cancelled
Results
-From the data, we can create benchmarks, best practices, and assist programs in making their summer youth programs more successful.
-The data is presented by size of district, so small communities are not compared with metro areas.
-The survey results are free to any program submitting their data.
Members Involved
LERN leaders on the Recreation Council created and approved the survey. They include Nicola Morgal, Columbia, MD; Kim Beranek, Fremont, CA; Stacy Phillips, Fairfield, CA; Julie Collins, Cary, NC; Corinne Buckles, Henderson, NV; Jorey Scott, Concord, CA; Ally Holman, Wylie, TX; and Jennifer Fean, Richboro, PA.
Moving Forward
LERN will expand the survey in the coming year to be specific to four institutional settings – – universities, community colleges, public schools, and recreation departments. Two webinar series, “Summer Camps 2027” and “Operations for Kids Colleges,” have already been expanded for October 2026.
