What Children Learn from Overnight Camp
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 9:07PM Our camp is a great place for children to learn how to do things on their own. Since parents are not there for them to depend on, our campers must learn to be more responsible, and learn several other things along the way. For example...
1. Children learn to work together. Like most good summer camps, our camp offers a community for children to join. This community is made up of other campers, counselors, staff, directing staff, and clergy. While away at camp, campers will learn to get along with each other, despite the fact that they may come from all different parts of the state or country. They may, for example, learn to work together to clean the cabin, win a camp competition, or work to help each other learn new skills.
2. They learn to slow down. Since our camp does not allow electronic devices, campers must learn to slow down and appreciate other types of worthy experiences. Living life in the slow lane for a week will allow for your camper to appreciate the beauty around him/her.
3. They learn to appreciate the small things. A week away from home, and all its comforts, may help your camper appreciate all that home offers – a warm bed, a refrigerator full of snacks, a bathroom of one’s own, television, etc. It may just convince your child that life at home isn't all that bad. It's also possible that camp can help your child appreciate that all he/she really needs to be happy is a warm place to sleep, healthy food, the company of a few good friends, and a caring adult to help guide him/her through life.
4. They learn new skills. Whether it's on the basketball court, learning to make a landyard, or attempting to make choreg for the first time, our camp will teach your child new skills. The experience could even lead him/her to find a new hobby or discover something new he/she is passionate about!
5. They learn to make new friends. It can be difficult for children to attend overnight camp for the first time or if they only know a couple people there. But our program will help campers find friends fast. And those friendships will last lifetimes. Just look at some of our staff! Camp offers campers the ability to branch out and make friends outside of their usual social circles and connect with others in a positive way.
6. They learn to appreciate their parents. By spending a week away from home, your child may learn to appreciate all it is that you do for him/her. The little extras that you do such as making his/her favorite dish, driving him/her to and from soccer practice, or even helping with homework may suddenly be appreciated.
Check out the rest of Jennifer O'Donnell's article at http://tweenparenting.about.com/od/afterschoolactivities/a/CampEducation.htm to learn more about what summer camp can do for your child.