Why go to summer camp?

Undoubtedly, the first decade or so of a child's life are the most important years. During these years, you'll notice how much play is part of a child's day. Play takes an essence of its own: some in story lines, while others in imaginary friends living divided by reality and fantasy. Through play, children learn about shapes, colors, cause and effect, and more importantly themselves. It's a way of sorting out joy, fear, sorrow, anxiety. Then as children get older, we must find new ways to keep them stimulated and challenged. Camps are a fantastic way to maintain this level of culture and curiosity. If that's not enough, camps have a myriad of other benefits. Here are some you may want to consider if you are debating camp this summer for your child.


At camp we create lifelong memories many develop into lasting lessons. We have many memories resting in the back of our minds; periodically contributing to the present. These memories of long ago have changed us in countless ways. This is reason enough to send the little ones off. Not only are these memories nice to have; many times as we grow, we grow because of them.

Creativity+ Structure= Constructive Ideas. Camps are minefields of creative minds. Suddenly building waterfalls in the sand or playing the part of captain aboard a sinking ship become reality. These ideas are fueling the future. When you were younger how many things did you invent? There was a solution to everything was there not? Impossible didn't exist (as it still should be) and you had the answers for the world. Directing this natural form of creativity and motivation shapes constructive ideas for the future. These skills later help your child shape their thoughts and plans, but most importantly prepares them for the present. 

New people, places, social settings force adaptation. Besides improving a child's social aptitude, new social settings force adapting in new environments. As humans when we are presented to new environments there is a form of stress occurring in the body. While some may experience a less negative form of it, others may find it a very unpleasant and awkward situation. Introducing new settings such as an overnight camp provide a young campers with the skills to challenge any new social situations.

Talk to strangers. This may be the one and only time you may want to suggest this. When we are younger role models influence us greatly. Everyone can name at least one person from their childhood other than a relative that as positivity affected them. They are everywhere and we need them there. Camps that have been accredited by the ACA required extensive staff training. So you can rest assure your kids are in good hands.

"The man who cannot believe in himself cannot believe in anything else."- Research has found that overnight camp experience promotes self esteem. Camp is learning to win and lose. Finding the positive to a negative situation and problem solving. This is a important life lesson and something they may have to deal with in school. As bullying and teasing in schools increases, sticking to your ideas no matter now thick the fog is a trait harder to come by. The success of an adult may rest in just how well one can speak for him or herself. Building self confidence starts with camp.

Specialty camps educate your children in special areas of interest that may motivate a career or begin a lifelong hobby. Specialty camps open the doors to new leisure pursuits which may later turn into lifelong careers. Some of the most successful careers are ones loved by their pursuers and now is the best time to begin discovering them.

Learning responsibilities During overnight camps, typically all campers and counselors live under the same roof. Learning to coexist with others and share the same living space is a very valuable lesson learned at these types of camps. Many over night camps also require their campers to complete daily chores and kids learn about reward systems.

No matter the reason why you send your youngster to camp the benefits are clear and there. Its fun and beneficial, what else can your kids do this summer that offers both?


Look up camps with your kids at www.kidscamps.com or www.mysummercamps.com