Why summer camp? Some key reasons, provided by the experts

Chris Worthy
·2 min read

Summer camps provide children and youth with a variety of benefits and opportunities for personal growth.

Summer camps provide children and youth with a variety of benefits and opportunities for personal growth.

“The camp experience is essential to child and youth development,” Tom Rosenberg, President/CEO of the American Camp Association (ACA), said. “Camp provides children with a safe environment in which they can take risks, try new things, and find community.”

Taking part in a summer camp provides benefits to kids all year long
Taking part in a summer camp provides benefits to kids all year long

Research shows that the social-emotional skills learned and practiced at camp support kids year-round. As kids build friendships and social connections, they form key skills that bolster academic performance and are at the core of college and career readiness.

Looking for a camp?Check out WNC Parent's 2023 Guide To Summer Camps

The benefits of summer camp are endless, but here are seven key reasons why summer camp provides a unique and delightful experience:

1. Socialization and friendship building: Summer camp is a great place for children to build new friendships and learn how to interact and communicate in a group setting.

2. Physical activity and outdoor fun: Many summer camps offer a range of outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking, and sports, which can help kids stay active and healthy.

3. Personal development and independence: Spending time away from home at summer camp can help children learn how to be more independent, resilient, and self-sufficient.

4. Education and exploration: Many summer camps offer educational programs or workshops focused on topics such as science, technology, art, or music, that support children’s overall development and broaden their interests.

5. New experiences: Summer camp can be a chance for children to try new things, build resilience, and learn skills that they might not have access to at home.

6. Time away from technology: Most summer camps provide the opportunity to completely unplug and explore opportunities to be fully present.

7. Healthy identity building: Summer camp uniquely provides kids with opportunities to develop social-emotional learning to support success in the classroom when kids go back to school.

Overall, summer camp can be a valuable and enjoyable experience for children. Both day and overnight camps help them to grow and develop in a fun and supportive environment.

What about the cost of camp? Camps vary in cost, and some are completely free or available at reduced cost. Ask about scholarship opportunities or financial aid. Approximately 93 percent of ACA-accredited camps offer financial assistance.

When considering camps, ACA Accreditation means that a camp undergoes peer review of its operations — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to ensure that current practices at a camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation.

Find a list of ACA-accredited camp at find.ACAcamps.org.

Source: American Camp Association

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Why summer camp? Some key reasons, provided by the experts