The Value of Camp

If your child is known as the shy, quiet kid at home, camp gives them the chance to reset and be whoever they would like to be. If your child wants to reinvent themselves and be the outgoing kid at camp by performing in the talent show or singing their hearts out in the camp play, they can!

Camp is full of new experiences from trying a new sport to living communally with other children in a bunk. For many children, these things are outside of their comfort zone, however, that is often where the growth begins.

Most camps do not allow for smartphones or any personal electronics, so children are putting their screens away and communicating face-to-face all day. From talking during mealtimes to chats in the bunk or at activities, children are communicating directly with both peers and staff without the use of a screen.

Camp is about a child’s social education, focusing on fun and connecting with others. Campers bond over shared traditions, rituals, and activities. Each day is filled with opportunities to be with peers and build strong friendships that often last a lifetime.

When a child goes to camp, they become part of a community. They may start their day at the flagpole to raise the flag at overnight camp or gather at morning meetings at day camp. They sing the same songs year after year and have a campfire to mark the beginning and end of a camp session. These traditions and rituals happen year after year, building community and creating a sense of belonging for campers and staff.

Camp allows children to try various activities from pickleball to cooking to theater—and that can happen all in one morning at camp! When children are exposed to so many different activities, they discover new interests they may not have discovered before.

One of the greatest aspects of camp is the ability for children to gain independence. When a child is away from their parents, they learn to trust their judgment and learn to depend on themselves. Whether a child is getting on the day camp bus each morning or choosing their food in the dining hall at overnight camp, each day presents opportunities for small steps towards independence.

When children pass a swim test to the next level, get a bullseye at archery, or make a new friend, they build confidence and feel good about themselves. Camp is full of confidence-building moments all summer long.

Children build resiliency at camp, an important skill that all kids need to learn how to manage life’s inevitable challenges. Whether it’s getting over homesickness or not passing the deep-water test at first, being able to deal with hard things and realizing you are going to be ok is a valuable life skill for all children.