Summer camp can be one of the most rewarding, unforgettable experiences in a child’s life. Camp provides children with a community of caring mentors who provide experiential education that leads to self-respect and appreciation for life. All of the outcomes—friendships, overcoming challenges, staying healthy and building character— prepare them for bigger, brighter lives down the road. In addition to great friendships and enduring memories, many important life skills are learned at camp. Here are five reasons kids should go to camp:
1. TO TRY NEW THINGS
Camp pushes children out of their comfort zone and exposes them to new activities and experiences that they may not be familiar with. Campers get the opportunity to try out different things and discover new hobbies or passions. By exploring various types of activities, children have a greater chance of finding something that they excel at or that makes them happy.
2. TO DEVELOP SOCIAL SKILLS
Camp teaches children to communicate, to work together as part of a team and to be a leader. Leadership is developed by asking campers to fulfill responsibilities that may not be expected of them elsewhere, while sharing resources and attention helps foster teamwork and the desire to participate.
3. TO LEARN TO NAVIGATE HEALTHY RISKS AND THE VALUE OF HARD WORK
Because they feel safe at camp, youngsters are comfortable taking healthy risks, setting personal goals and realizing their dreams. At camp, children learn the importance of working hard to accomplish what they want and to never give up, all in a low-stress setting.
4. TO BUILD CHARACTER
On top of making new friends, campers also develop an appreciation for the qualities required to cultivate and strengthen these relationships. Camp provides children with the core values of a strong, moral individual by teaching them about ethics, honesty, caring, respect and responsibility. Parents frequently report that after camp, their children are more kind, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right, and are willing to be more responsible.
5. TO FOSTER INDEPENDENCE
At camp, children learn the responsibility of making their own decisions with the safety net of insightful counselors and staff in a safe environment. Campers can risk finding out what works and what doesn’t, while discovering new facets of themselves. The camp environment provides peer support that allows children to quickly overcome their need for constant parental dependency.
The main goal of any well-run camp program is making sure children have the time of their lives. Summer camp is a much needed break from the academic year where creativity, adventure, thrills, smiles and plain old good times are the priority.
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Carson Sofro is founder/director at HSBCAMPS and HSBCARES, a nonprofit dedicated to providing basketball and educational opportunities for underprivileged youth around the world.
Ready to browse and choose fabulous camp programs with your children? Check out this year's Summer Camp Guide!
FAQs
Summer camp is a safe environment where kids can learn social skills, experience new things, try new foods, and meet new people. These experiences help them feel a sense of identity, increase self-esteem, build confidence, and begin to shape them into the person they will become.
Should kids go to camp? ›
TO BUILD CHARACTER
On top of making new friends, campers also develop an appreciation for the qualities required to cultivate and strengthen these relationships. Camp provides children with the core values of a strong, moral individual by teaching them about ethics, honesty, caring, respect and responsibility.
Why do kids love camp? ›
Camp energizes kids and gives them the chance to participate in many different activities and experiences like archery, sports, swimming, creative arts and more. They also get much-needed free time to play.
What do you say to a child going to camp? ›
Tell your child you're proud of them for trying new things and for being independent. Especially for first-time campers, it can be really reassuring to hear this from mom and dad. Encourage them to set goals during their time at camp such as having fun, learning a new skill, and making friends.
Why do people send kids to summer camp? ›
Most of all, camp is about having fun, learning, and a place to develop an appreciation for others away from media/culture images and messages of what one “must” look, sound, or be like.
Why should families go camping? ›
It provides a chance to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. You can go on hikes, swim in the lake, go fishing, or even play some outdoor games. These activities not only help kids to develop their physical abilities but also improve their cardiovascular health, endurance, and strength.
Why do parents put their kids in summer camp? ›
Research findings conclude that kids feel better after attending camp, according to both parents and children. At and after camp, kids are happier due to positive feelings, solid connections, and being isolated from technology. Kids thrive at camp and report higher levels of happiness both before and after their stay.
Why do you love to camp? ›
When you're camping, you get a chance to get in touch with nature, encounter wildlife and see the stars away from the bright lights of the big city. There's nothing quite like it. Make sure you and your family have the chance to connect with nature when you explore the many benefits of camping.
What is the best age to go to camp? ›
In general, most children are ready to attend a sleep-away camp or day camp between the ages of seven and ten. However, every child is different, and parents should take into consideration their child's personality, maturity level, and social skills before deciding whether or not to send them to summer camp.
What are kids who go to camp called? ›
Camper — A child, young person, and occasionally an adult, who participates in a camp program or experience.
Examples from Collins dictionaries
We'll make camp on that hill ahead. We camped near the beach. For six months they camped out in a caravan in a meadow at the back of the house. While the 'yes' camp remains in the lead, the jump in numbers of undecideds will cause alarm.
What to write to a 7 year old at camp? ›
The Five Best Letters To Send Your Child At Summer Camp
- “I can't wait to hear about your…”
- “I'm so proud of you for…”
- 3. “ It's boring at home…”
- 4. “ Knock knock…”
- 5. “ ...
- As a general rule…
- Your camper's email address is: camper@campkodiak.com and please put his or her first and last name in the subject line.
Through the camp experience, young people learn to understand the strength of mankind. They also develop an appreciation for the qualities required to protect the fragile relationships needed to protect these relationships. ACA values the natural world. We seek and appreciate what is real, genuine, and nonartificial.
What is camp and why is it important? ›
Develop life-long skills – Camps provide the right instruction, equipment and facilities for kids to enhance their sports abilities, their artistic talents, and their adventure skills. The sheer variety of activities offered at camp makes it easy for kids to discover and develop what they like to do.
How do I convince my child to go to summer camp? ›
How to Get Your Kids Excited About Going to Summer Camp
- Tell them it's OK to be nervous!
- Prepare and Plan Ahead:
- Ask them what they're looking forward to at camp: Ask your child to share what they're excited about, and work together to create a brief list of their camp goals.
Summer camp is more than a babysitting service while school is out. Camp teaches children many life skills in a fun and safe environment, enables to them try new things, make new friends, and succeed in ways they may not have thought possible.
