Definition

1. Noun:
   • A camp providing care and activities for children during the daytime: A supervised program, typically for children, that offers recreational and educational activities during the day. Participants return home each evening; it is not an overnight camp.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The primary use is as a countable noun to refer to the program itself.
  • It is often used with verbs like "attend," "run," "organize," or "sign up for."
  • Example: Our community center runs a popular day camp every summer.
  • Example: Parents rely on the day camp for safe, engaging childcare during school holidays.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The children enjoyed arts and crafts at the local day camp.
  • We are looking for a day camp that offers swimming lessons.
  • Enrollment for the summer day camp begins in April.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in day camp": to be attending or participating in a day camp program.
  • My son is in day camp this week, so I can work full days.
• The concept is often contrasted with "sleepaway camp" or "overnight camp."
  • We chose a day camp instead of a sleepaway camp because she wasn't ready to stay overnight.

Variants and Related Words

• Day camper (n): A child who attends a day camp.
  • The day campers went on a nature hike.
• Camp (n): A broader term that can include both day camps and residential overnight camps.
  • There are many different types of summer camps.

Synonyms

• Summer program: A general term for organized activities during the summer, which may or may not be a camp.
• Daycare program: Emphasizes the childcare aspect, though "day camp" typically implies more structured recreational or thematic activities.

Related Phrases

• Day camp counselor: A supervisor or leader at a day camp.
  • She worked as a day camp counselor during her college break.
• Day camp activities: The specific events or projects organized within the program.
  • Sports and team games are common day camp activities.

Noun

1. a camp providing care and activities for children during the daytime