In general, most 3-year-olds are still in the early stages of developing their ability to focus and concentrate for extended periods of time, and they may tire easily from physical activities. Additionally, separation anxiety can be a common issue for young children, and being away from their parents for a full day is a skill that many children are still learning.  This is why it is very important to choose a program with lots of experience with children this age or that has a preschool during the school year.

Before enrolling your child in a full-day summer camp, it’s important to consider their individual needs, temperament, and developmental stage. For example, if your child is already enrolled in a preschool program, then they are very likely ready for a full day of summer camp.  If this will be your child’s first experience away from the comfort of home, you may want to start with a mini-day program to gauge how well your child adapts to the camp environment. It’s also a good idea to talk to the camp staff about their experience with young children and any strategies they use to help them adjust to camp life. 

Ultimately, you know your child best, and you should trust your instincts about whether they are ready for a full day of summer camp or not after doing your research on potential camp programs.