Jolanta Lorenz

Try new things this summer. This voluntary nature of overnight camp makes children more open to new experiences, with personal satisfaction as their motivation. At a good general interest camp, 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 exciting, campers learn to live together and become friends despite their varied interests.

Practicing both new and old skills on a regular basis, you will see improvement. Novices have chances to learn, while those who are more experienced can improve. Self Esteem is the result of increased skills. Children become more independent and self-reliant at camp with their newfound skills.

Sending your child to camp is giving them an opportunity to try something new. No matter how many after-school programs or lessons a child takes, it’s likely they will never have the opportunity to try all that is offered at summer camp. In a supportive environment, the child can try at something new. The interesting twist to these activities is that, since campers often don’t know anyone else at camp before they go, they are more willing to try activities that their friends at home might not expect them to. The athlete can try out for the camp play, while the artist may dabble in sports. At camp, children can try new things and set their own goals for success.

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.

Here is what campers are saying. In a recent survey about their experience at camp, at twenty different accredited by the American camping Association camps. Here’s some of what they said.

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, and 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) * You learn how to relate to people on a level deeper than that of school or everyday life because you live together. (14 year old female) * I learn a lot about respect and my real values in life, what they really should be. (14 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) * Yes, because I’m with people my age and people who respect everyone. (11 year old male) * I don’t have to be fake to anyone. Everyone here accepts me as I am and I’m not judged or criticized. (15 year old female)

Given the benefits of a sleep away camp, it seems that all children should enroll. There are camps for almost all children, including those with special needs. Yet, be sure you and your child are ready to leave home and have an overnight experience….if not check out day camp this summer.

Learn more about picking a summer camp at Summer Camp Advice Camp information

To learn more how to select and Summer Camp visit Summer Camp Advice. Kids Camp Information

Popularity: 3% [?]