Late winter may seem like an odd time for families to begin thinking about summer camp, but parents with a history of arranging summer camp experiences for their children know spots typically fill up long before the first day of spring.

Many summer camps limit the number of campers they accept, so it pays for families to familiarize themselves with a typical camp timeline so children’s summers can be as enjoyable as possible.

Families can begin researching summer camps early in the year. This timeline reflects the growing demand and the competition to secure spots before they fill up. The American Camp Association estimates that more than 26 million children enroll in summer camp each year. That statistic underscores the demand and suggests the competition for spots could be significant. By researching potential options early, families can identify their preferences and go from there.

Your research also can be used to determine budget. The cost of summer camp varies widely, and parents who know how much they can afford to spend can use that budget to whittle down their options. It’s also is a good time to consider summer travel plans. Some camps charge by the week, which means parents might not have to pay camp fees during those weeks when they will be on vacation with their children. If camps won’t charge camper fees during weeks when families are on vacation, parents may be able to afford more expensive camps. Parents can use this period to identify fee structures.

• March: Some camps begin registration in March, while others may make paperwork necessary for registration available at this time. If registration begins in March, parents are urged to identify precisely when that process begins and exactly what needs to be done to ensure they can register their child. Secure all necessary paperwork prior to registration and ensure it’s completed and submitted beforehand if that’s a prerequisite. If registration is completed online, confirm the url in advance of registration day. Visit the website in advance as well. Doing so can allow you to create a user ID and password prior to registration, which is especially important if spots in the camp are limited and figure to fill up quickly.

• May/June: Camp officials will likely reach out sometime during this period to welcome campers and let parents know about any supplies their children will need. Some may offer orientation sessions during this period, and families can attend such meetings together so children can get acclimated to the campgrounds prior to the first day of camp. Visiting the site prior to opening can be especially helpful for first-time campers who may be feeling anxious.