What ages does Mini Camp accept?

Mini Camp is open to children ages 8–10. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.

How much does Mini Camp cost?

Mini Camp publishes $1,200/week for the standard session. Tiered pricing available: $1200 (Together), $480 (Belonging), $360 (Community). Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.

What are Mini Camp's hours?

Mini Camp runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.

Is Mini Camp accredited?

Yes — Mini Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 138 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.

Mini Camp is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 138 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.

Does Mini Camp provide lunch?

Mini Camp does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.

▌ Adventure · Ages 8–10

Mini Camp

Montague, NJ · $1,200/week

Trail Blazers offers overnight camp experiences for youth, focusing on outdoor adventure, skill development, and community building in a natural setting.

▌ Editor's read The Trail Blazers website loads as a real camp site, offering overnight programs for children and teens. It is ACA accredited, with its accreditation expiring in 2024, demonstrating adherence to industry standards. The organization has a remarkable history, stating it has been operating for 138 years, making it one of the oldest camps in the US. The website mentions that all staff undergo background checks and extensive training. Trail Blazers is a non-profit organization, and its mission focuses on providing outdoor experiences to a diverse population, including offering financial aid. Google reviews for 'Trail Blazers Camp' show a rating of 4.6 stars from 100 reviews, with many parents praising the positive impact on their children and the supportive staff. The camp offers various programs, including traditional overnight camp, leadership programs, and specialty camps, catering to ages 6-17.

★

ACA-accredited~300 standards audited

⌬

Since 1888138+ years operating

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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt

Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 8–10

Mini Camp fits middle-elementary campers — old enough for skill-building to land, young enough that friend-group dynamics and counselor warmth still matter more than program rigor. Parents at this age band tend to prioritize a balanced rhythm of structured activity and unstructured play, which is the actual differentiator inside any given adventure program.

Facts & Credentials

Program type: Overnight camp
ACA accredited: Yes
Established: 1888 (138 years)
Operator: Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio: Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

Category: Adventure
Ages: 8–10
Hours: 24-hour residential
Address: 210 Deckertown Turnpike, Montague, NJ 07827
Cost notes: Tiered pricing available: $1200 (Together), $480 (Belonging), $360 (Community).

Runs 24-hour residential, 1 session (1 one-week), from Jul 19 to Jul 24.

Sessions

Bookable units published by the camp. Each row is a one-week session.

Session 2 Jul 19 – 24, 2026 · 1 week · $1,200

Logistics

Lunch provided: No
Transportation: No
Financial aid: No
Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about Mini Camp

What ages does Mini Camp accept?: Mini Camp is open to children ages 8–10. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Mini Camp cost?: Mini Camp publishes $1,200/week for the standard session. Tiered pricing available: $1200 (Together), $480 (Belonging), $360 (Community). Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Mini Camp's hours?: Mini Camp runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is Mini Camp accredited?: Yes — Mini Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 138 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Who runs Mini Camp?: Mini Camp is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 138 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Mini Camp provide lunch?: Mini Camp does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Mini Camp with other camps.

How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
Sports summer camps guide · Check coaching style, intensity, safety, and logistics.
Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Mini Camp.

Outdoor Adventure - Younger · Montague, NJ · Ages 8–11 · $1,250/week
Trail Blazer Camps · Montague, NJ · Ages 8–16 · $1,400/week
Outdoor Adventure - Older · Montague, NJ · Ages 12–14 · $1,375/week
Teen Leaders · Montague, NJ · Ages 15–16 · $1,375/week