No matter the time of year, we are never too far from the incoming summer months, during which I will witness camps in action, and have the pleasure of hearing/reading feedback from tens of thousands of parents and campers. (Not to mention the fact that STEM summer camps for kids and teens are actually running right now!)
And while it's always amazing to see just how many students are having a great time with their camp experiences, it's the benefits and the outcomes; the stories of positive impact that really stand out.
So, I put this together because it's important that parents understand everything camp has to offer. Many ask, "what is summer camp like?" and while the answers out there are good, there is another layer to consider.
I've heard from friends and family that the decision to send kids to a summer program really comes down to whether or not they can fit camp into their busy schedules, or, if there is a week or two during the summer where they'll need daycare. Similarly, the thought that camp can actually be a learning or growth experience doesn't factor into the equation as much as it should.
That's unfortunate!
That said, I get it. If you have kids, you might think sending them to camp with other kids to play, have fun, learn, interact, etc. isn’t much different from a school experience, right? Thus, any benefits from camp could probably be attained from school, so why bother?
Well, truth be told, there are many benefits exclusive to the summer camp experience.
Why is summer camp important for kids?
Summer camp is important because it offers a structured opportunity for children to grow. Kids go from home to school to extracurriculars, with each environment contributing to their development. Summer camp, then, is another unique venue for growth, allowing kids to become independent and self-confident, while socializing and making new friends, and even learning new skills.
Summer camp benefits for students
1. Socializing helps with growth & development
Socializing at camps offers your child an opportunity to explore new relationships within a safe space, all while engaging and learning from a new set of folks.
PS: Some say that socialization during childhood can sometimes accomplish more for growth and development than reading or eating vegetables!
2. Camp helps kids build a unique interest
There aren’t many schools that offer game design classes, archery, or entrepreneurship. But, there are a number of camps that specialize in these activities (up to 14,000 camps in the US actually, as estimated by the American Camp Association).
So if your child has an interest in anything outside of the core school subjects or sports, where do they go to learn or gain experience? There might be a few after-school options like a robotics club, etc., but even then, you're adding one more thing onto the plate of a student who already has homework and other commitments to juggle.
Camp is one very good, distraction-free option, and allows for a time for kids to kick the tires on a new interest. From there, you never know what that interest might turn into...(see student success stories here).
Imagine a summer where your child will be educated and challenged, all while having fun and exploring their interests. Bonus: They will develop crucial soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, social skills… The list goes on.
3. Camp reinvents and eliminates categories
I updated this post specifically to include this bit I came across from Parent Guide News:
"Students often attend school year after year with the same peers, which can lead to labeling and being 'stuck' with a particular perception. A child may become known as studious, quiet, etc., when, really, he can be boisterous in another setting. Children who go to day or sleepaway camps meet a whole other group of people in a different environment. Often times, a child will break out of his supposed categorization if given the chance."
That is such a great point and something I've experienced personally, both through making changes in myself and witnessing changes through peers. Summer camp really can change lives.
We've all been shaped by our environments in one way or another, but when that shaping forms someone into a permanent, ill-fitting configuration, it's difficult for them to "break out" unless they get out.
Camp allows kids to get out...and into an environment filled with others who see what is in front of them, rather than what they've been trained to see through years of false reinforcement.
4. Camp allows for a deep dive into new skills
Even if your school does offer "different" activities, summer camp allows for a deeper dive.
Think about giving your child a week or more to be immersed in coding, or specific skill-building in a sport like Lacrosse. These opportunities exist at camp, and it’s tough to find such focused activity elsewhere. (Not to mention that if it is something like coding you choose this summer, there are a number of benefits of technology for children, on top of the camp benefits!)
Plus, kids and teens are able to really get out of their comfort zone to take some risks with their skills, without the looming fear of failure and resulting repercussions.
Help your child stay many steps ahead by introducing topics that are not taught in a traditional curriculum but are the foundation for the future world. STEM jobs are expected to grow twice as fast as non-STEM jobs through 2031. (They also pay significantly higher than non-STEM jobs!)
5. Camp leads to a new type of friendship-building
Also, it’s not only a week engrossed in one particular sport, or subject, but it’s jumping into an activity with other kids serious enough about it to attend camp (just like your child).
I’ve heard it a million times from campers: “I’m in my element” or, “I’ve found my people!” Students who interact with like-minded peers are able to easily build friendships (potential lifelong friendships) rooted in similar interests. These relationships can lead to even more, as students are essentially networking, and have names to call on when it comes to doing a side project, finding an internship, or even starting a new businesses with the friend they met at Minecraft summer camp, or wherever.
Statistics above are from the ACA Youth Outcomes Study.
From instructors that give children a sense of community to new friends that can turn into your lifelong friendships, camps help plant the seed of community-building.
92% of kids say their experience at camp helped them build self-esteem. In a world filled with social media that causes kids to compare themselves to everyone else, a positive sense of self is key!
6. Camp helps with mental stimulation & physical activity
We are all familiar with summer leaning loss, slide, or whatever you want to call it. Many of us probably also feel that kids don’t get enough physical activity during the summer months as well.
Camp can get kids going, both mentally and physically. Have a child who loves video games? Who doesn’t? Camp will allow kids to get off of couches and into courses that teach them how to make games instead of simply playing. Camp will also allow for physical activity no matter their camp of choice. (Yes, even tech camps provide plenty of outdoor time. More camp myths.)
7. Camp reinforces independence and empowerment
Even if you think your kids are independent, nothing brings out and tests that independence more than giving them time away from you, on their own.
Without mom or dad around, who is going to make your child’s decisions? Who is going to tell them to brush their teeth? Make the bed? Manage their time? At camp, they themselves are.
Camp allows for a chance for children to truly understand the thought that goes into making a good decision, and will discover even more about themselves in the process. Not to mention (ear muffs for those parents who think they should be the only source of guidance for their kids), children can also lean on peers for support, if they do need additional help. There are a number of other life skills kids and teens can establish at camp, too.
8. Camp allows for confidence to be reinforced by success
With activity and growth comes success or failure. Whether it is someone who has never before picked up a basketball or a beginner with 3D modeling, each activity comes with its own set of mini milestones and tests. Some of these activities might be brand new to your child, while others could be extensions of what they already know.
Maybe they’ve never played tennis before, or perhaps they’ve played tennis but have never attempted an overhand serve. By getting out on the court and learning to play tennis, or even putting together some form of an overhand serve, an increase in confidence will result. From there, your student leaves camp with internal support strong enough to compel them to try out for the school tennis team…and then who knows what they will become.
9. Camp leads to creativity, free of judgement
Technically a skill, I could have put this bit on creativity in the above section. But, it’s important enough to stand on its own.
Coding is a skill, but making mobile games is an expression of creativity (as is filming a movie or building a photography portfolio). At camp, there isn’t really failure, only the chance to try new things, which in itself is a success.
Creativity can’t be stifled at camp because students don’t have to worry about getting a failing grade, as mentioned above. It is only when kids are free of such restriction that their creativity can flourish.
10. Camp builds all-around resilience
Camp experiences help kids develop great coping strategies and the resilience to deal with challenging situations.
This is a culmination of many of the above benefits. New friendships, confidence, independence, sense of belonging. All of these things contribute to the development of your child as they make strides from being a kid to a strong, considerate, competent adult.
11. Camp instills appreciation and gratitude
And let’s not forget, time away from home helps kids appreciate home, their parents, their belongings, a meal cooked by mom or dad, and everything else they don’t have at camp.
Unfortunately, the appreciation doesn’t last long in most kids, and might take more than a week away for them to truly appreciate all that’s given to them on a daily basis. But, appreciation definitely takes shape at camp.
In a world full of screen-time, nothing beats the magic of simple, unplugged childhood memories full of activities & adventures. Gift them a summer full of stories, photographs, friendships, life lessons, and memories that will last a lifetime.
12. Camp is fun and entertaining (of course!)
I put this last for a reason. Not because it isn't important, but because I want to solidify the idea that there are many factors that go into the decision to send your child to camp, and it shouldn’t hinge solely on whether or not they need to be entertained for a week, month, etc.
Summer camp is many things. If you regularly send your kids to camp, now you have a few new benefits to look out for, and harvest in your children.
If you send your son or daughter to camp to have fun, that is great! But also try and prep them beforehand to ensure they maximize their ability to attain the benefits above.
And last, if you haven't yet sent your child to camp, and you're wondering what summer camp does for kids, I hope this helps in your future planning.
Next step? Just think about camp differently.