The Importance of Camp
The camp experience is recognized by child development professionals as valuable in helping children mature socially, emotionally, intellectually, morally and physically. The building blocks of self-esteem are belonging, learning and contributing. The camp experience offers unique opportunities for children to succeed in these vital areas. At camp, children learn to problem solve, make social adjustments to new and different people, learn responsibility and gain new social skills to increase their self-esteem.
Development of social skills:
Most activities on camp involve team work, which is great to strengthen established friendships and also to develop new friendships by connecting with children they don’t regularly talk with at school. Through bonding activities, children develop supportive relationships not only with different children, but also with their teachers. Whilst on camp, children have the opportunity to learn about acceptance, caring and understanding. They learn that their relationships benefit from investment, and that the team benefits as a whole when individual relationships are strengthened. Contributing to the success of the group is empowering to each individual.
Development of independence and resilience skills:
For many children, school camp is often the first time away from family and home for a few nights. While more and more our culture allows people to seek out what’s enjoyable and avoid what’s unpleasant, camp nudges children to move out of their comfort zone. So, while our conveniences make life easier in so many ways, there are experiences missing that provide growth, strengthening our values, confidence and development for times of adversity. Camp experiences grow confidence and develop good decision making skills – especially when times are tough. Their confidence grows as they accomplish a task that seemed impossible and this accomplishment is empowering. They also learn who to accept guidance from, in a world that is, at times, filled with some pretty bad advice on TV, in movies and among some friends.
Development of new skills:
Whilst on camp, children are exposed to a range of new activities that they may not have tried before. They display a willingness to try new things by being adventurous and to test their limits and decision making to get through various situations. Living in a cabin / tent / dorm, climbing ropes and overcoming obstacles are life accomplishments young people can develop that build strength of character, courage, determination and focus on something bigger than themselves. Children who only accept comfortable situations find themselves limited in confidence, courage and flexibility. Through new experiences, children are pushed into positions to grow in life and when that happens, they accumulate understanding of what it takes to be a productive, independent adult.
Whereas schools often applaud good marks, camp acknowledges and rewards a broader range of accomplishments. It creates an environment where every child can feel valued for their contribution.
