There is something special about summer camp. For many, it’s a classic childhood experience that brings back wonderful memories of growing up. But beyond the nostalgia, there are so many real benefits to sending your children to summer camp. Let’s look at some of the surprising values in the classic summer camp experience.
The Power of Unstructured Playtime
At William Lawrence Camp, campers engage in unstructured
playtime for 2 hours each afternoon, allowing them to explore their own
interests and develop their own skills. Unstructured playtime encourages
imagination and creative problem solving—skills that will be invaluable as they
grow into adulthood. In addition, free play teaches social skills such as
cooperation and negotiation. By having time away from adults and schedules,
kids can practice working together without fear of failure or judgment from
parents or teachers.
Learning Emotional Resilience
Summer camps offer kids the opportunity to learn how to cope
with difficult emotions such as homesickness without parental guidance. It’s
important for campers to gain these types of emotional skills early on so that
they can handle more challenging situations later in life with confidence and
resilience. At camp, kids also learn how to self-regulate by stepping outside
their comfort zone in order to try new activities, make new friends, and take
part in conversations about topics that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable for
them. This development of emotional intelligence is invaluable for any child's
growth into a successful adult.
Building Leadership Skills
At summer camp, children have the chance to lead activities
and projects while also learning how to work within a team setting towards a
common goal. Through this type of leadership experience, they begin to discover
what kind of leader they want to be while also honing their communication
skills with peers and counselors alike--all essential components of success in
the future workplace or academic environment.
These experiences are designed specifically for young people and help
foster an appreciation for responsibility and accountability at an early age
which will serve them well throughout life.
Summer
camp provides a unique opportunity for children to develop important life
skills without the pressure of school or home environments. Kids have access to
unstructured play time where they can explore their interests freely; learn
emotional resilience; build leadership skills; and make lasting friendships -
all valuable assets that will stay with them long after their days at camp come
to an end! If you're looking for ways for your family member(s) to grow this
summer - consider sending them off on a memorable adventure at an overnight summer
camp!
