Top 10 Skills Kids Learn at Camp
Summer Camp season is upon us. There are so many options for camp to consider including day camps to overnight camps, skills camps or recreational camps. However, one thing all camps have in common is that they are good for kids in a variety of ways. So while parents may have to mull over which camp is best suited for their children, rest assured that whatever choice is made, kids who become campers will develop many skills over the summer, including…
1. Independence
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Being away from home and school during
the summer allows kids to step out from their parents’, siblings’ and friends’ shadows. Camp is a great way to encourage a child to be independent.
2. Responsibility
Camp counselors have many kiddos under their care. If a camper needs something done quickly, they often have to step up and do it for themselves. Don’t be surprised if your camper comes home from their camp experience and actually gets a drink for themselves instead of asking you!
3. How to Make Friends
Being around new people means the chance to make new friends! Campers can work on their communication skills to find common ground and make forever friends.
4. Conflict Resolution
In life there are always going to be folks who your child doesn’t automatically gel with. At school. College. Work. Even the family which they marry into. But learning how to navigate different personalities and yes, even how to fight fair when conflict arises, are super important skills. A sense of self-advocacy is an important skill that can be learned at camp.
5. Teamwork and Sportsmanship
Working with friends and fellow campers towards common goals is a big part of camp! Games and group activities put campers in a position to collaborate, communicate, win and (maybe more importantly) lose, together. Camp and camaraderie go hand in hand.
6. Routine
A structured schedule allows campers to discover the benefits of a routine. Instead of saying “I’m bored” all summer long, campers grow to enjoy a schedule and knowing what’s next!
7. Sense of Self
Going into a camp experience not knowing anyone can truly be a gift to a child! There are no preconceived notions of who someone is, so guess what? Your kid can be anyone they want to be at camp!
8. New Skills
All camps offer a variety of activities where counselors introduce kids to new concepts in a beginner-friendly fashion! Children have a chance to try something new and exciting at camp and new interests and hidden talents may be discovered.
9. Confidence
Along with new skills, campers can hone in on skills they already possess. Growth and excelling in a skill can reinforce an interest and be a catalyst for self-confidence in a camper.
10. Boredom Busting
During moments of downtime at camp, kids are encouraged to find something to do. Whether children chat amongst themselves, play simple games together, sing songs, doodle, or dance, there is never a boring moment at camp. Having the ability to entertain oneself is truly an amazing skill that can be acquired at camp.
Discover great local summer camps by clicking here.
