Below, you’ll find practical tips and examples to help you build a form that works for parents, kids, and staff.

Tip #1 – Only Ask for What You Really Need

Parents today are already juggling a lot. The fastest way to lose them is by overloading them with unnecessary details on your form. Keep your form lean by focusing on essentials:

📇 Contact info - camper + parent/guardian

💊 Medical needs - allergies, medications, conditions

📞 Emergency contacts - aim for at least two

👩‍👦 Authorized pick-up details

Remember, you can always collect the nice-to-have info (such as favorite snacks) later in a follow-up form. Parents appreciate it when you value their time.

Tip #2 – Keep the Flow Smooth for Busy Parents

Consider where most parents will fill out your form; for many, it’ll happen between errands, in the school pickup line, or at work. Here are a few tips for creating a form with a clean flow, minimal points of friction, and reducing form abandonment. 

➡️ Group fields into logical sections (Camper Info, Health, Permissions).
➡️ Provide clear instructions so there’s no second-guessing.
➡️ Design the form to auto-save to save the frustration of having to fill out the form multiple times.
➡️ Make it mobile-friendly since most parents won’t be on a desktop.

RegFox forms are designed with this in mind, with auto-save, drag-and-drop layout control, and mobile-ready design.

Tip #3 – Collect Payments, Waivers, and Extras in One Go

No one, including your staff, wants to deal with three separate forms for one camper. The better way to go is to bundle the information below:

➡️ Camper info
➡️ Payment information
➡️ Liability waivers with digital signatures
➡️ Add-ons like t-shirts, snacks, or photo packages
➡️ Camper preferences: activities, sessions

With RegFox, you can slash admin headaches by including waivers, add-ons, and merchandise directly in the form. Check out the template here. 

Tip #4 – Plan for Repeat Registrations

Many families sign up multiple kids—or return year after year. Don’t make parents fill out the same information again and again. A good system makes repeat signups painless:

➡️ Let families duplicate info for siblings
➡️ Allow parents to edit registrations themselves
➡️ Save cards and profiles on file for faster checkout next time

The goal isn’t just a smooth first-time registration, but long-term ease for loyal families.

Tip #5 – Test the Form Like a Parent Would

Before you hit publish, run through the form like a parent who’s never seen it before. Ask:

➡️ Is every step clear, or are there areas of confusion?
➡️ Does it feel too long?
➡️ Is it mobile-friendly?

Even better—ask a friend or staff member to try a run-through. A five-minute dry run now can prevent dozens of questions later.

👉 Pro tip: Build your form in RegFox to unlock full customization, branding, and automation. 

FAQs About Camp Registration Forms

1. How long before camp should registration open? 

Most camps open registration 3–6 months in advance. Earlier is better if you have limited spots or specialty programs, since parents like to plan ahead. If you’re using RegFox, you can even set early-bird pricing and waitlists to keep momentum going before camp begins.

2. Do you need a license to run a summer camp?  Licensing requirements vary by state. Some states regulate overnight camps more strictly than day camps, and certain activities (like aquatics or horseback riding) may require special permits. In California, for example, most traditional summer camps do not require a childcare license; however, you may need permits for food service, health and safety inspections, or specific program activities. Always check with your state’s Department of Health or local county office to confirm.

3. How much do most summer camps cost?
Prices vary widely depending on location, duration, and activities. Here are some averages.

☀️Day camps: $150–$400 per week

🛌 Overnight camps: $700–$2,000 per week
Specialty camps (STEM, sports, arts) often cost more. You can offer flexible payment plans or sibling discounts through RegFox to help families manage the cost.

A Better Form Makes for a Better First Day

When parents breeze through sign-up, staff get accurate info, and campers are set for an amazing time—it makes a difference on day one. A better form means fewer lines, fewer questions, and more time for the actual camp magic.

If you’re ready to upgrade your summer camp registration form, get in touch with our support team to learn more.

We’re here to help you have your best camp yet!

— The RegFox team