Whilst every camp is different they generally fall into one of the following categories.

Agency Camp

This type of camp is run by an agency such as the YMCA, 4-H clubs, Campfire Boys & Girls, etc. Campers come from various socio-economic backgrounds. These camps follow the traditions of the agency to which they are affiliated and are operated by a board of directors rather than an individual owner.

Day Camp

This type of camp operates for daytime sessions only. Children arrive early in the morning and participate in a day full of activities, then return to their homes again at the end of the day/afternoon (usually before dinner-time). Counselors participate in a variety of activities with the children during the day. Activities are usually rotate and are more focused on fun and variety than skill training. Counselors are accommodated in either on-site accommodation (dorm rooms, camp staff house) or with host families and have most evenings and some weekends free, once the children have gone home. Day camps are more often located closer to towns/cities than residential camps. Campers come from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Most day camps are co-ed. (*Note- counselors working at day camps must complete an 11-week contract as opposed to a 9-week contract for residential camps).

Family Camp

This type of camp is host to entire families during the summer. Some families have attended a particular family camp for generations. Counselors at family camps are often asked to teach or assist in activities with groups of adults or children, or both. Staff usually sleeps in separate accommodations apart from the families. During mealtimes usually entire families will dine together. Many families that attend family camp come from middle to upper-socio economic backgrounds.

Girl Scout Camp-
This type of camp is operated by the Girls Scout of America, an organization which operates year round clubs to promote the growth of young women in society through activities, challenges and educational experiences. Girl Scout camps have female campers only and most have female-only staff, though a few may sometimes have males on staff. The camp facilities are often rustic, using platform tents and camping (tents) for accommodation. The main activity focuses are arts & crafts, outdoor adventure/cooking, waterfront activities and ropes courses. Campers come from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds.

Private/Independent Camp

This type of camp is a privately owned and operated business. Many private camps are all-boys or all-girls camps, though there are also many co-ed private camps. The majority of campers at private camps come from higher socio-economic backgrounds and pay a large tuition to attend camp. Many families have been sending their children to the same private camp for generations, so traditions are strongly rooted in the camper and camp staff community.

Religious Camp

This type of camp offers campers an opportunity to attend traditional summer camp while celebrating their religious beliefs at the same time. The level of religious awareness as well as the level of religious involvement required from camp staff varies depending on the camp. Some camps focus more heavily on religion and religious studies, while others incorporate religious and moral beliefs into daily camp activities in a more subtle manner. Most religious camps in America are Christian, Catholic or Jewish faith based (though camps based on other faiths exist as well). The campers at religious camps come from various socio-economic classes.

Special Needs Camp

This type of camp services people with various types of Special Needs including (but not limited to): Mental and/or Physical Disabilities, Blindness, Deafness, Learning Disabilities, ADHD/ADD. Campers may range in age from young children to adults or elderly campers and the camps themselves may accommodate children only, children and adults, or adults only. Funding is often through grants and donations and camps are operated by organizations or foundations that operate year round to service persons with special needs. Extensive training is provided for all staff. Facilities are usually highly specialized to accommodate to the needs of the campers. Many counselors will work with campers on a 1:1 or 1:2 person ratio. Most Special Needs camps do not require counselors to have previous experience.

Underprivileged Camp

This type of camp services children from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Often times, these children are attending camp on a scholarship as their families cannot afford the camp tuition. Underprivileged camps are usually run by an organization, which relies on charitable donations and grants to operate camp. Many underprivileged camps have more basic facilities and the campers mainly come from inner cities.