Visiting day competition heats up at elite camps

High-end camps are seeing visiting day evolve into a contest driven by social media culture.

Visiting Day Turns Elite Camp into a Competition

Parent visiting day at elite sleepaway camps in Maine has transformed into a competition, with parents showcasing extravagant gifts and outfits. The event has escalated in the last few years as affluent families compete to present the best snacks, personalized gifts, and impressive appearances. Despite efforts by camps to limit what can be brought, parents often find creative ways to sneak in more items. The event raises emotional stakes for children, many of whom feel overwhelmed by the pressure of the day and the displays from their parents.

The spectacle of visiting day at these elite camps highlights broader social trends where status and display become paramount. While meant to celebrate reunion, the event risks overshadowing genuine connections between parents and children. In the age of social media, the quest for likes and praise may be turning a day meant for reconnection into a spectacle of competition that emphasizes appearance and luxury over heartfelt interaction. As one parent noted, the pressure can be so overwhelming that it diminishes the joy meant for the children involved.

Highlights

As parents prepare for another extravagant visiting day, it remains to be seen if they will prioritize genuine relationships over competition.