With the fast-paced environment of children’s camps requiring quick decisions and streamlined communication, it’s time to trade in the e-mails and piles of paper for camp management software.
Whether you’re a camp director, counselor, or any other staff member, you already know how difficult running a camp can be. So surely you’d want to make the many jobs that come with camp management as straightforward as possible, right?
Some of you reading this might still be accepting registrations, communicating with your staff, or scheduling activities through dated methods like e-mail and paper. We respect that. But there are easier, more efficient ways to perform these tasks – like using camp management software.
We’re here to make your future camp seasons simpler and more stress-free with a list of the very best camp management software solutions available today.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one camp management software
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Good for camp financial management
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Good for camp registration
Why trust us?
Our team of unbiased software reviewers follows strict editorial guidelines, and our methodology is clear and open to everyone.
See our complete methodology
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Tools considered
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Tools reviewed
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Best tools
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What to Look For in a Camp Management Software Tool
The best camp management software should provide you with specific features that can let you dedicate your time to the fun stuff. From camp registration to end-of-camp events, having every important detail automated makes running a camp so much easier.
Here are some key features to look out for when considering the right software for your camp:
- Staff management: This kind of software should allow you to manage camp staff, handling everything from schedules and time tracking to communication and training.
- Online registration: Camp management software can benefit both your camp counselors and your campers. With this feature, you can create easy-to-follow registration forms for potential customers.
- Calendar management: This feature allows you to create, edit and share camp calendars with all of your counselors so that they know what’s happening at all times and there is no confusion along the way.
- Attendance management: Plan events and manage attendance so that you always know how many campers are attending each camp event.
- Online forms: Create forms or use premade templates that campers and their guardians can easily fill in.
- Customer management: Collect and analyze customer data to better inform decision-making for future camps.
Now that you have a better idea of what’s required from this kind of software, it’s time to check out some of the best camp management software solutions on the market today.
The 10 Best Camp Management Software Tools of 2024
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one camp management software
Connecteam is an award-winning camp management software that helps directors and managers provide their counselors with the tools they need to run their camps to their full potential.
Used by 36,000+ companies, this all-in-one solution includes a wide range of features to boost team collaboration, ensure health and safety are maintained at all times, and guarantee all camp activities run smoothly. With Connecteam, you can:
- Streamline communication between all staff members, with the ability to engage in private 1:1 or employee team chat.
- Maintain camp compliance by creating your own digital forms and checklists or selecting pre-made templates. Staff members can fill in clearance forms and bunk cleaning inspection forms with the click of a button.
- For staff members who need to leave and return to camp for any reason, they can easily clock in and out with the employee time clock feature.
- Eliminate time theft or buddy punching with geofence technology, ensuring staff members are clocked in within the confines of the camp.
- Build a simple employee training software experience so that staff members are aware of all essential camp policies and have the skills they need to thrive.
- Store all important documents from each camper and staff member without worrying about taking up storage space on your phone.
In theory, you can provide campers’ parents with Connecteam’s mobile app and customize it to operate as a private network, where parents can receive photos and current camp ongoings.
But the reality is that this software works at its best as an employee management software. As a result, there may be other solutions on this list whose features align more with your camp’s specific needs.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Try Connecteam here!
Key Features
Pros
All-in-one software solution
Easy to manage camp staff
Excellent customer support
Affordable solution
Cons
Doesn’t include camp registration features yet
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial -
RMS Cloud — Good for camp financial management
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
One of the most popular property management software systems in Australia, RMS Cloud is an ideal software for camp directors looking to manage booking processes and revenue generation more easily.
The relationship between the camp director and the customer is arguably the most crucial part of RMS Cloud. Through its reservation screen, admins can view client details, their reservations, and account information.
There are arguably more effective solutions on this list if you are looking to focus mainly on employee management. With that said, RMS Cloud does include a staff-focused app, which directors and counselors can use to view and manage daily tasks, track time, and communicate with each other.
Key Features
- Reservation dashboard
- Guest portal
- Automated pay rates
- Staff mobile app
Pros
- Great for camp financial management
- Good customer support
Cons
- Not the most ideal solution for staff management
- Prone to bugs and crashes
Pricing
Starts at $185 AUD/month, for a single user Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Regpack — Good for camp registration
Available on
- Web
Not many software solutions handle camp registration as seamlessly as Regpack does. This camp management software provides camp admins with the business tools to easily handle registration and online payments.
For example, you can embed the solution’s online form builder on websites, making it simple for parents to register from anywhere. Camp directors can also review registration submissions via its online dashboard.
While there’s no denying that Regpack’s financial management features are its strength, it also plays a part in its main downside. Unlike other solutions on this list, Regpack doesn’t include a wide range of features to encompass other aspects of camp management.
Apps like Connecteam allow users to onboard employees, access camp calendars, and communicate with each other – all features that Regpack lacks.
Key Features
- Camp registration
- Online payments
- Online form builder
- Registration reporting
Pros
- Fantastic solution for camp registration
- Accurate payments
Cons
- Limited camp management features
- Not the easiest software to use
Pricing
Starts at $125/admin/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Sawyer — Good for scheduling activities
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Another valuable software solution from a camp registration perspective is Sawyer. This camp management software allows admins to easily integrate onto websites, facilitating registration, online payments, and parent communication.
One of Sawyers’ standout features is its activities schedule. Camp directors can create and manage all kinds of events, such as camps, appointments and parties. They can also drag and drop these events onto required dates and edit them to determine how many people can attend, how long each event is, and more.
A crucial feature that Sawyer lacks is the ability for camp staff to communicate with one another. This is something that other solutions on this list, like Connecteam, include.
Key Features
- Parent-approved registration
- Activity enrollment
- Payment processing
- Events schedule
Pros
- High-quality financial management tools
- Easy to upload camp forms
Cons
- Poor customer support
- Lack of communicational tools
Pricing
Starts at $109/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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CampMinder — Good for camp Directors
Available on
- Web
More than just a camp registration tool, CampMinder covers many key aspects of camp management. Through this software’s detailed dashboard, admins can manage transportation for campers, handle financial matters, and stay on top of camper’s healthcare, among other things.
CampMinder also includes a mobile app that allows parents to keep up to date with their child’s camp experience through a social media-style feed – which is ideal for security reasons.
However, other solutions on this list include a wider range of features via their own mobile apps, such as employee training resources, cross-camp communication, and the ability for staff to clock in and out.
Key Features
- Online camp registration
- Staff hiring/onboarding
- Organizational dashboard
- Companion app
Pros
- Attractive user interface and easy to use
- Regularly adding new features
Cons
- Forms features can be complicated
- No autosave when entering information
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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CampDoc — Good for health and Safety
Available on
- Web
As the name suggests, CampDoc is a camp management software designed specifically to prioritize the health and safety of campers. With this solution, users can upload and store all relevant healthcare forms, records and allergies for each camper, ensuring that every medical detail is accounted for.
With CampDoc, families can send instant messages to the software, which admins can digitally relay to the relevant campers depending on the session or cabin they are located in.
One of CampDoc’s standout features is its text message alerts. In the event of an emergency, camps can send out mass texts to families to keep them updated in real-time. While this is an ideal feature, there are other solutions on this list which include similar capabilities.
Key Features
- Health records and forms storage
- Online registration
- Emergency text notifications
- Parent-camper communication
Pros
- High storage capacity
- Supports multiple languages
Cons
- Uploading forms can be complicated
- Poor customer support
Pricing
Starts at $250/month Trial: No Free Plan: No
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SmartRec — Good for safely storing information
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Probably SmartRec’s most valuable feature is it’s information storage capabilities. Admins can store, update and access all of their campers crucial information inside the software. This includes Photo IDs, emergency contacts, medical forms, and more.
SmartRec also includes useful features from a staff point of view. For example, flexible scheduling ensures that both counselors and campers alike know where they are supposed to be and when. Staff can submit availability to ensure that camp schedules are convenient for all parties. It’s also possible for parents to pay for their child’s camp sessions via SmartRec.
Though users might be frustrated with the software’s inability for staff to communicate with each other or to clock in and out.
Key Features
- Form storage
- Staff and camper scheduling
- Payment options
- Staff calendar
Pros
- Effective mobile app
- Good customer support
Cons
- Lacking essential features
- Lack of reporting
Pricing
Starts at $99/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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CampSite — Good for camp teams who need a wide range of features
Available on
- Web
Arguably, Campsite is one of the most dynamic camp management systems on this list, primarily due to the wide range of features included.
Campsite includes “core features,” which includes online registration, advanced reporting, staff communication, and a parent dashboard. Then there are what the website describes as “A La Carte features,” such as attendance tracking, transportation management and activity scheduling, to name a few.
One detail that might dissuade potential clients is the lack of pricing transparency on the product’s official website. Though it is possible to request a demo or contact Campsite directly for pricing information.
Key Features
- Online registration
- Staff management
- Financial management
- Parent dashboard
Pros
- All-in-one capabilities
- Simple UI and easy to use
Cons
- Lack of pricing transparency
- Limited storage space for emails
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Active Camps — Good for camp security
Available on
- Web
From a security perspective, Active Camps is an ideal camp management software solution. Not only is all information protected when digitally stored, but payment processing meets PCI Level 1 compliance.
With Active Camps, staff can digitally stay up to date with when and where they are working with online attendance tracking. And it’s possible for admins to easily assign access and permission rights to other staff members.
Truth be told, there are some essential features that Active Camps lacks that others on this list include, which could be a crucial factor when deciding which solution to choose.
Key Features
- Online registration
- Payment management
- Attendance tracking
- Camp Database
Pros
- High-level security features
- Compliant payment processes
Cons
- Lack of important features
- Prone to bugs and errors
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
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CampWise — Good for camp staff management
Available on
- Web
- iOS
When it comes to staff management, not many solutions do it better than CampWise. Via the main dashboard, it’s possible to handle every aspect of recruitment, from advertising openings and receiving applications to issuing contracts.
Admins can handle all aspects of camp registration, with the ability to receive registration applications from customers. They can also provide accurate billing, organize transportation and schedule activities, amongst other features.
While CampWise does in include the ability to send mass emails and texts to campers, parents and staff, other solutions on this list have more robust communication features.
Key Features
- Staff management
- Camper check-in
- Online registration
- Medical app
Pros
- Good customer support
- Aligns all camp members
Cons
- Dashboard only works well on Google Chrome
- Can have registration issues
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
Compare the Best Camp Management Software Tools
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| Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
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Starts at $185 AUD/month, for a single user
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Starts at $125/admin/month
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Starts at $109/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $250/month
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Starts at $99/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Contact vendor for price
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Contact vendor for price
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| Free Trial |
yes
14-day
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yes
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yes
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yes
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yes
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Free Up to 10 users
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| Use cases |
Best all-in-one camp management software
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Good for camp financial management
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Good for camp registration
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Good for scheduling activities
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Good for camp Directors
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Good for health and Safety
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Good for safely storing information
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Good for camp teams who need a wide range of features
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Good for camp security
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Good for camp staff management
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| Available on |
Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
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Web
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Web, iOS, Android
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Web
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Web
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Web, iOS, Android
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Web
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Web
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Web, iOS
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What Is Camp Management Software?
Camp management software is a cloud-based system that includes features to help camp directors and counselors manage their camp more effectively and efficiently. This kind of software is used by camp directors, counselors, campers, and guardians alike. Also, camp management software benefits both residential camps and day camps, as well as schools, specialty programs and specific education institutions.
How Does Camp Management Software Work?
With camp management software, admins usually have access to both an online portal via desktop, as well as a mobile application. Through the former, they can handle all aspects of camp organization. This can include activity scheduling, meal coordination, camp registration, room allocation, financial management, and analyzing camper information, to name a few.
This kind of software usually allows camp counselors to maintain communication with each other and their directors, but also use a clock in and clock out system if necessary and have instant access to camp schedules, and submit camper feedback, amongst other things.
Campers and guardians may also have limited access to the same software. Through the mobile application or a parent dashboard, they may be able to register for camps, communicate with camp directors and counselors, and submit forms.
The Benefits of Camp Management Software
There are plenty of reasons why camp staff members are better off when having camp management software at their disposal. We managed to break them down into three key benefits that prove you can’t afford not to have this kind of software at your camp:
- It keeps everyone on the same page: Camps are environments in which health and safety of the campers are top priority. Communication goes a long way in addressing these areas, as all parties can stay in touch with each other from the convenience of their mobile phones, regardless of their time or location.
- It streamlines and automates processes: Dated, manual processes such as registering campers in person and sending letters and checks in the post are no longer necessary when using camp management software. This system makes all aspects of camp management quick, painless and efficient.
- It prepares directors for future camps: Directors are always striving to improve camp operations for future campers. With camp management software, you can collect all kindle of valuable camper data, analyze it with the click of a button and have a better idea of the audience your camp’s marketing team should target next time around.
How Much Does Camp Management Software Cost?
While most camp management software is priced per month, they can vary quite heavily depending on how many users and what features are required.
It’s important to mention that many of the solutions on this list do start on the pricier side, with one of the cheapest options (SmartRec by Amilia) starting at $99 per month. Also, when it comes to many camp management software solutions, customers are required to contact their respective sales teams for pricing information.
With all of this in mind, we do recommend selecting a solution that provides the widest range of features at the most affordable price. While Connecteam does lack some key features associated with camp management, such as registration and payment, its basic pricing plan of $29 per month for the first 30 users provides key employee management capabilities that are definitely worth considering.
FAQs
What is camp management?
Camp management is the organization, maintenance and overseeing of all aspects of an organized camp. This can range from financial management, registration management, and staff management to activity scheduling and logistics. The health and safety of both campers and staff is a core focus of camp management.
Who requires camp management software?
Camp management software appeals to a wide range of audiences. While typical users include residential camps and day camps, other organizations like YMCAs, after-school programs and specific educational institutions also benefit from its capabilities. Depending on its features, individual users include camp directors, counselors, staff members, parents, and campers.
What should I consider when purchasing camp management software?
There are two factors worth taking into account when purchasing camp management software:
- Integration with other applications: If your camp is already using specific software, then any new software should be able to integrate with what you’re currently using (like payroll software such as QuickBooks Online).
- Overpaying for unessential features: If your camp only requires some features, you’re better off purchasing a simpler software that only includes the features you need.
The Bottom Line On Camp Management Software Tool
Now that you’re familiar with the best camp management software on the market today, it should be crystal clear that every single solution helps to eradicate dated methods used for camp management such as e-mails, pens and paper.
The reality is that some digital solutions are better for handling financial matters, while others are designed to help improve staff management in your camp. Some also work best as a bridge between camp staff and the camper’s parents.
Whatever the case might be, we recommend trying out the free trials that the solutions mentioned above provide. Then, you’ll have a better idea of which tools have the most relevant features that best suit your camp’s needs.