| Learn More about Summer Camp

Learn More about Summer Camp

Children are provided the choice to take risks and try new things at summer camp. Being voluntary helps children be open to new experiences. Camp offers opportunities to try new things and excel in. The non-athlete can shine at arts and crafts, woodworking, or dramatic programs, while the athlete can also find many outlets for their skills. Most importantly, campers learn to live together and become friends despite their differences.

Camp offers children many opportunities to become competent. Practicing both new and old skills on a regular basis, it makes sense that there will be improvement. Novices have chances to learn, while those who are more experienced can improve. Learning new skills and improving on old ones builds self-esteem. Children become more independent and self-reliant at camp with their new found skills.

Camp is gives an opportunity to try new things. The supportive environment of camp entices a child to try something new. Often, since campers don’t know anyone else at camp they are more willing to try new activities. The athlete can try out for the camp play, while the artist may dabble in sports. Camp allows children to try new things and set their own goals.

Though years later, your child may not remember capture the flag games or the words to a camp song, the life lessons learned at camp will remain. At camp, a child learns how to take responsibility. The child who has never before made a bed, will learn how to smooth out sheets and blankets and tidy up a cubby. Though counselors will remind and encourage, campers quickly take responsibility for personal hygiene, and for more minor health issues, a camper learns to articulate what hurts and how to get help. All of this personal responsibility further fosters a sense of independence and self-esteem. Camp also improves a child’s social skills by making new friends and learning how to reach out to strangers. At camp, children learn to get along with others, all while living together 24 hours a day, learning about courtesy, compromise, teamwork, and respect.

Can you think of things you learned and did at camp last summer that helped you in school this year? * I was more confident, wanted to know everything, was excited to be in school and good grades in 7th grade. (12 year old female) * My experience helped me look at challenging situations differently and instead of giving up, finding a way around them. (14 year old female) * Last summer I learned a lot about how to control my anger. (13 year old female) * I learned how to be on my own without someone with me all the time. (12 year old male) * I learned to have more patience and to appreciate the things I have. (10 year old female) * I feel that I am better at interacting with friends and family. The people skills learned at camp affected me dramatically when I went home. (15 year old male)

If explaining camp to friends, what would you say you learn here? * I learned to listen to what other people say. (10 year old male) * I learned a lot of team work skills. (13 year old female) * I learn a lot about respect and my real values in life, what they really should be. (14 year old female) * Values like how to be responsible and respectful. (13 year old female) * I learned to have fun, be a leader, discipline, and most of all – respect. (12 year old male) * You learn how to make new friends, learn different sports, and learn that camp can be a very good part of summer! (9 year old female)

Do you feel differently about yourself when you are at camp? * I feel differently because I feel like I am accomplishing something by being here. (13 year old female) * At school there are defined groups of people, but at camp, everyone feels wanted. (15 year old female) * Yes, because I’m with people my age and people who respect everyone. (11 year old male) * At camp I think that I can do more and be proud of myself. (13 year old female)

Given the benefits of a sleepaway camp, it seems that all children should enroll. There are camps for almost all children, including those with special needs. However, there are certainly children who are not ready for an overnight camp experience. Be sure you and your child are ready to leave home.

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