At camp, kids make true friends in a safe environment where they can relax and be themselves. They gain resiliency by stepping outside their comfort zone, trying new things, and seeing that they can overcome their fears.
They learn the value of friendship and connection with nature and develop a strong sense of community and collaboration. They leave camp with a greater appreciation of the people and things they have at home.
It Takes Children Out of Their Comfort Zone
Kids regularly step out of their comfort zones at summer camp Calabasas CA. They may have to make decisions without a parent nearby, figure out how to make their meals, or learn to navigate new situations with a group of people they may not know.
The freedom to try new things in a supportive environment encourages children to become more resilient and confident. In turn, that resiliency and confidence can carry over into the classroom.
Overnight camps also teach kids healthy routines that encourage a good night’s sleep and a balanced diet. These habits can extend far beyond summertime. If your child is anxious about going to camp, discuss it with them and help them find a place right for them. It will help them have the best camp experience possible and develop independence.
It Encourages Independence
Camp provides kids the opportunity to become more independent. Children are away from their parents for a day or an entire summer, which forces them to learn how to rely on themselves and others, especially if they’re having trouble with something.
When working with supportive peers, children will discover they can accomplish things they never thought possible, like completing their first ropes course or swimming without a flotation device. It is a crucial life skill that can help them in any situation.
According to a Glover-led study, kids who go to summer camp benefit from positive social integration, self-confidence, independence, nature awareness, and emotional intelligence development. These skills will benefit them far into adulthood. They’ll also gain more healthy attitudes toward physical activity.
It Provides a Sense of Community
Aside from promoting social skills, summer camp also teaches kids how to interact with a community different from their family and friends. They learn they can positively impact the world, even in small ways.
This type of interaction teaches children how to empathize and collaborate with others—important skills for navigating life’s challenges. At the same time, summer camp gives them a chance to practice making decisions on their own without mom or dad there to tell them what they should do.
Depending on their interests, camps often offer activities promoting teamwork—a skill that will help them at school and in the workplace. Plus, being away from home helps them appreciate what they have at home (like family and the ability to go outside and explore). Kids will return from camp with stories, photographs, friendships, life lessons, and memories that will last a lifetime.
It Encourages Self-Discipline
At camp, kids learn the value of self-discipline. They are encouraged to try new activities and push themselves to improve their skills, even when they may not feel good about it.
Children are also taught that they don’t have to rely on their parents for everything. By allowing them to be away from home for a day or an entire summer, they learn to make decisions on their own and care for themselves without mom or dad around.
The camp also helps children develop a healthy relationship with nature. Research shows that spending time in nature benefits children’s creativity, mood, and physical health. It is an antidote to modern indoor life and the effects of “nature deficit disorder.” Children can connect deeply with others and their natural environment at summer camps.
It Builds Self-Esteem
In a world where kids are bombarded with messages that tell them what to look like, how to act, and who they should hang out with, self-esteem can take a beating. However, summer camp can help a child feel confident and supported in a positive environment.
Children will learn that they can be successful if they keep trying. Whether they fail to hit the target on their first archery attempt or can’t reach the top of the climbing tower, they will be reminded that it takes practice and determination to overcome challenges.
The camp also helps to support the development of emotional intelligence (EQ), which is associated with success in school and life, as well as a more healthy mental state. It is achieved through forming role-model relationships and social experiences with other campers.