By Ashley Fisher ·
How to Plan a Week of Online Camp at Home
Plan a calm week of online camp at home: set up the camp spot, use a simple daily schedule, balance screens with movement and sleep, and get kids engaged.
To plan a week of online camp at home, keep camp at the same time every day, put active play and meals right before and after it, and set up the camp spot and supplies the day before it starts. A simple daily rhythm of camp, move, eat, then free time keeps the week calm for kids and parents.
Before the week starts, pick one camp spot, test the device, gather supplies and put every session on the calendar in your own time zone. Build each day around one focused camp block with movement before and a snack and free play after. Keep sleep close to the school-year schedule, plan screen time across the whole day, and stay within earshot of younger children.
Before the week starts
- Pick one camp spot. A table with a steady chair, good light in front of your child rather than behind, and a door or corner away from TV noise. Keep it the same all week.
- Test the device. Charge it, check the camera and microphone, and open the class link once to make sure everything loads.
- Gather supplies. Read the camp's supply list and put everything in one box or tray beside the camp spot.
- Put the time on the calendar. Add every session in your own time zone, with a 10-minute warning alarm.
- Talk it through. Tell your child what the camp is about, who the teacher is and what they might make by Friday. Kids settle faster when they know what to expect.
A sample daily schedule
This example assumes a one-hour morning camp. Shift the blocks to fit your camp time.
| Time | Ages 5–8 | Ages 9–13 |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 | Breakfast, get dressed | Breakfast, get dressed |
| 8:30 | Outdoor play or dance break | Walk, bike or chores |
| 9:20 | Bathroom, water, supplies ready | Log in, open camp files |
| 9:30 | Camp session | Camp session |
| 10:30 | Snack and show a parent what they made | Snack, finish or tidy camp project |
| 11:00 | Free play, no screens | Reading or free time |
| 12:00 | Lunch | Lunch |
The afternoon can stay open for friends, errands or rest. One focused block per day is enough to feel like camp.
If camp is in the afternoon
Flip the order. Keep the morning for outdoor play, errands and lunch, then use the hour before camp for something calm, like reading or a puzzle, so your child is not wound up when class starts. Afternoon camps suit kids who are slow to wake up, and they can break up the long stretch between lunch and dinner.
If you are working from home
Plan your own calls around the camp block, since that is the hour your child is most likely to be busy and happy. Set up the log-in yourself for the first day or two, then let older kids take over. Keep a short note by the device with the class time, a reminder to unmute, and what to do if the link does not work.
Keeping kids moving and rested
Online camp is still sitting time, so balance it with movement. The CDC recommends that children and teens ages 6 to 17 get 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. A run outside before camp and a dance or jump break after it gets most kids a good part of the way there.
Sleep matters too, especially during breaks when bedtimes drift. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 9 to 12 hours a night for ages 6 to 12 and 8 to 10 hours for teens. If camp starts early, keep wake-up and bedtime close to the school-year schedule so mornings are not a fight.
Making the most of each session
A live class works best when your child is ready to take part, not just watch. A few small habits help:
- Arrive early. Logging in five minutes ahead lets your child say hello and fix any sound problems.
- Camera on, if comfortable. It helps the teacher see when your child is stuck or excited about something.
- Keep a notebook nearby. Even in coding or art camps, jotting down an idea or a question helps kids stay engaged.
- Ask one question at dinner. "What was the hardest part today?" gets better answers than "How was camp?"
- Celebrate the end. On the last day, let your child show their finished project to family or a grandparent on a video call.
Safety and screen time
Plan screen time across the whole day, not just camp. The AAP's Family Media Plan tool helps families set screen-free times, like meals and the hour before bed. During camp, remind your child to rest their eyes: the AAP suggests looking at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
For safety, stay within earshot for younger children, keep messages on the class platform, and teach kids not to share their full name, school or address in chat. If anything in a session worries you, contact the teacher or the platform's support team.
Frequently asked questions
Should I sit with my child during online camp?
For ages 3 to 6, staying nearby is usually helpful, especially for logging in and handling supplies. From about age 7, most kids do well on their own once set up, with a parent in the next room.
What if we miss a day?
Let the teacher know as soon as you can. Many teachers can share what was covered so your child can catch up before the next session.
How do I keep my child from getting bored by midweek?
Give them something to look forward to after camp, like a park trip on Wednesday, and ask them to teach you one thing they learned. Kids often re-engage when they get to be the expert.
Haven't picked a camp yet?
Start with your schedule, your child's interests and the right session length for their age. Our guide on how to choose an online camp walks through it.
Plan your family's camp week
Browse live online camps with set daily times and small groups, so one focused block can anchor a calm week at home.