Summer camp, principally (though not exclusively) a North American phenomenon, is a common destination for children and teenagers during the summer months. Children and adolescents who attend camp participate in a variety of activities, many of which wouldn't be possible or practical during the school year. Although the traditional image of summer camp is of a woody place with hiking, canoeing, and campfires, today's summer camps offer a wide variety of specialized activities. For example, there are camps for the performing arts, rock music, computers, children with special needs, and weight loss.

In most camps, the adult supervisors are called counsellors. Counsellors are responsible for guiding the campers during activities and ensuring the safety of the campers. In many camps, counsellors are assigned to smaller groups of campers, called "bunks", "huts", or "cabins", which participate in activities as a group. Counsellors often share living accommodations with their bunk. Most counsellors are in their late teens or early twenties, as it's an ideal job for high school or college students on summer break. Although counsellor jobs don't usually pay well (oftentimes minimum wage or less), counsellors receive free room and board. Many take the job primarily for its enjoyable experience.

Summer camp is also known as "sleepaway camp" (American usage) when campers spend their nights at camp. At some camps, all campers stay overnight, and at some camps the campers go home each night. Some other camps allow both day and overnight campers. Summer camp is often the first time that children spend an extended period of time away from home. Missing home is a frequent problem, but with a caring counsellor most campers adjust fairly quickly. Many homesick campers find solace in Care Packages sent from their families to comfort them.