10 ways your child can benefit from summer camp

With all the silly games and crazy songs, it’s no wonder summer camps are so much fun. But are they important? Absolutely! In fact, 92 percent of young campers say that their summer camp experience helped them gain confidence and feel good about themselves, according to the American Camp Association’s survey of 5,000 campers. Here are 10 reasons why your child shouldn’t miss out on the unique growth experience that awaits this summer at day or overnight camp.

1. Builds confidence and self-esteem.
With its non-competitive activities and diverse opportunities to succeed, camp life is a real self-esteem and confidence booster for young people. Campers experience a sense of accomplishment every day.

2. Boosts independence.
At camp, kids learn to be as independent as possible, and they’re empowered to take care of themselves, their space and their belongings, with guidance from camp counselors. Kids who are a little too attached to mom and dad often discover strengths that they never knew existed through various activities and decision-making experiences.

3. Helps them make new friends.
In its relaxed setting, camp offers a unique opportunity for children to branch out and connect with people they may not normally meet. They learn that the world is a big place with lots of diverse people, who might do things differently than they’re used to. Kids who might have a hard time making friends learn to reach outside their comfort zones and become more socially confident – something they can take back to school with them in the fall.

4. Develops leadership skills.
Because camps allow kids to practice individual and group decision-making and navigate interactions with others, they’re natural leadership training grounds. Kids spend their days with leaders they can depend on, who befriend and defend, helping them feel empowered in tasks they take on throughout their lives.

5. Stimulates minds and bodies.
Camps offer stimulating activities that engage the body and mind. Kids breathe in the fresh air to clear their thoughts, move their bodies and partake in sports and recreational activities. Camps also cut back on technology-driven distractions. Many effectively ban cell phones and computers, so kids aren’t sitting around texting or playing video games; instead, they’re up moving and taking advantage of what summertime has to offer.

6. Helps them tap new interests.
Camp pushes children out of their comfort zone and exposes them to new activities and experiences that could turn into lifelong passions. With so much to do at summer camp (rock-climbing, swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, arts and crafts, etc.), it’s the perfect place for kids to tap into interests or discover talents they never even knew they had.

7. Teaches teamwork.
Camp takes attention away from “me, me, me” and turns it toward the value of teamwork. While joining together in creating a skit or playing in tournaments, campers become part of a new team of friends and counselors. Learning how to get along and work as a team are important life skills that help empower each individual.

8. Keeps them occupied.
When school lets out, how will kids occupy their free time all summer? Camps solve parents’ challenge of keeping their kids entertained and active, all while being supervised by trained professionals who ensure their safety.

9. Reduces summer learning loss.
Studies have shown that during summer vacation, students can lose the equivalent of up to three months of what they’ve learned during the school year. Camp programs help keep a child’s brain active, alert and acquiring knowledge and skills.

10. Creates memories that last alifetime.
When the summer ends, camp memories live on. Camp is an unforgettable time of discovery and self-improvement that will give each child great stories to tell and memories that last a lifetime.