Summer camps are the quintessential American summer experience for kids, and many of you who have attended a camp during your childhood know exactly why they are so popular. But if you’ve never attended one as a child, you may be wondering why so many people rave about the incredible experience. It all points to the simple fact that summer camps can have a profoundly positive impact on children. Here are the top ten reasons to consider sending your child to a summer camp.
Incorporates Physical Activity
Courtesy: Camp Lookout
First off, summer camps are a great way to keep kids active. There are a multitude of physical activities for kids to participate in, which promotes a healthy lifestyle while keeping children entertained at the same time.
Cultivates Leadership Skills
Courtesy: Youth Adventure Program
Many summer camps encourage leadership for young people, by way of giving them opportunities to lead various activities or contribute ideas and insights. This allows kids a natural and low-pressure leadership training experience in a positive environment. Children are also often empowered by camp leaders and counselors who are a positive leadership influence.
Promotes Independence
Courtesy: TADA Week-long Musical Theater Camp
While being away from home may seem daunting to many children, the safe environment of a summer camp will allow them to grow and develop as individuals. They are able to explore things that are outside of their typical comfort zone, and they are encouraged to learn to take care of themselves without complete dependency on their parents for their time away from home.
Builds Relationships
Courtesy: Camp Mishawaka for Boys
The inclusivity at summer camps ensures that no child is left lonely. By spending time together learning, growing, and having fun, kids are bound to make friends and create long-lasting bonds and memories with their fellow campers.
Develops Interests
Courtesy: Cornerstone Day Camp
Summer camps offer a plethora of activities for children to explore. It opens up a world of possibilities, and by way of exploring these interests, kids discover passions for activities they may never have considered before. In camps targeted to certain interests, kids are also shown how to cultivate their skills in activities they may already have an interest in alongside others who share their passion and will encourage them.
Fosters Self Confidence
Courtesy: Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps, Woo…
Kids are given such a confidence boost when allowed to explore opportunities to succeed that aren’t centered around the competition that exists in an academic environment. Along with that, learning new skills such as archery or horseback riding can instill a sense of accomplishment in a young person, and show them that they are capable of learning and achieving success.
Gives Lifelong Memories
Courtesy: Inspiration Point Christian Camp
The unique experience of attending a summer camp is like no other. Kids get to explore and interact with the world in a much different way than they normally would, and that’s something that they will never forget. They will grow to cherish the memories of the friendships they create, the skills they develop, and all of the fun that they have, and it will stay with them for years to come.
Helps Connect With Nature
Courtesy: Talisman Summer Camps
What better way to get your children to unplug from all of their digital devices and become attuned with nature?At a summer camp, kids get to spend ample amounts of time outdoors by going on hikes, riding bikes, swimming in lakes, and much more. This allows them the perfect opportunity to explore the outside worldand reconnect with nature.
Occupies Summer Time
Courtesy: Camp Balcones Springs
I’m sure many of you parents have busy schedules, and it can be challenging to keep your kids occupied during the day. And even for those of you will less demanding schedules, it can be a challenge to fight off summer boredom. A summer camp provides the perfect solution to this dilemma.
Allows Kids to Have Fun
Courtesy: All About Mee Beauty Camp
Last but not least, summer camp is a blast. It’s a safe environment where your kids are able to a good time with new friends and explore all sorts of new and exciting activities without you having to worry. The carefree, light atmosphere allows kids to relax, play, and make the most of their summer.
– Shreya Wadkar
