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.
Summer Camp offers many opportunities to improve skills. Practicing both new and old skills on a regular basis, it makes sense that there will be improvement. Those new to an activity can learn, while others who are more experienced can improve. All this builds self-esteem and thus become more independent and self-reliant.
No matter how many after-school programs or lessons a child takes, its 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 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.
The life lessons learned at camp will remain far past the camp songs. 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 results in a sense of independence and self-esteem. Social skills increase by making new friends and learning how to reach out to strangers. At camp, children learn to get along with others, all while living within the camp community.
Campers in many different ACA camps provided these answers about camp – American Camp Association
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)
- I learned mostly about how to get along with my peers, but also I learned to take on more responsibilities. (13 year old male)
- 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 better sportsmanship and listening skills that helped me bring up my grades in behavior. (11 year old male)
- I learned how to be on my own without someone with me all the time. (12 year old male)
- At camp I think that I can do more and be proud of myself. (13 year old female)
- At camp I have a personality that is different from home. I’m less cautious to do fun or exciting things. I don’t feel as alone as I sometimes do at home. (14 year old male)
- When I’m at camp I feel that I can be more open with myself and others. I tell people things at camp I wouldn’t speak of back home. I feel so much more in tune with myself here and I can discuss issues so much more openly. (15 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)
If explaining camp to friends, what would you say you learned 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)
- 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 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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