America's summer camps are confronting a changing climate, experiencing increased extreme weather events such as heat waves, wildfires, and flooding, which are forcing operational adjustments. Camp directors are developing contingency plans and modifying daily routines to protect campers and staff.
Camps are increasingly coordinating with local officials on emergency preparedness, including evacuation routes and ensuring buildings are structurally sound for severe weather. For some, this involves extensive planning to be ready for the worst-case scenarios, even while hoping they will not be needed.
Day-to-day camp activities are also being reshaped. Shorter activity periods and a greater emphasis on aquatic activities are becoming common. In instances of extreme heat, traditional activities like horseback riding may be replaced with alternatives, such as bathing horses, as campers are encouraged to stay hydrated.
Institutions are implementing measures to ensure campers stay hydrated, such as using water bottles as passes to activities, guaranteeing children have them readily available. Some camps have also adjusted their session schedules, eliminating August programming when temperatures are typically highest and wildfire risks are most significant. In recent years, wildfire smoke has led to session cancellations at some camps.
Camp administrators acknowledge that these changes represent an evolution from past practices. The core of the camp experience, they note, lies in adaptation and flexibility. Over decades, camps have consistently evaluated and refined their methods to cope with varying environmental conditions, including the persistent challenge of rising temperatures.