It may seem strange to think of summer camp after temperatures have dropped and everyone’s preparing for cozy fall and winter nights, but the now’s the time to start planning, with the Camp at the J Cyber Monday deal is right around the corner! During the school year, we can often see the lasting positive effects that camp has on kids. According to the American Camp Association and Parent Guide News, the unique social environment of camp is ideal for helping kids develop several important skills:
Campers obtain the life skills needed to become successful adults.
An organization called The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has found there is a large gap between the knowledge students learn in school and the skills they need to be successful. Some of these skills include communication, collaboration, creativity, leadership, socialization, and problem solving. All of these areas are fostered in the camp environment.
Camp educates the whole child.
There is more to learning than test taking and achieving good grades. Camp offers a powerful learning environment that provides kids with the opportunity to try new activities and build self-esteem. Children also build social skills and problem-solving skills by being part of a supportive community.
Camp allows kids to unplug from technology.
Children today spend more than 7.5 hours a day engaged with technology, which often takes the place of vital hands-on activities and social opportunities. Campers at Camp at the J are not allowed to bring cell phones, iPads, iPods, computers, video game systems, or any other electronic devices to camp, allowing kids to communicate face to face.
Plenty of time for play helps children with social and emotional development.
Balancing school schedules, homework, and extracurricular activities doesn’t leave much room for play. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that free and unstructured play is healthy and essential for helping children to reach important developmental milestones and manage stress. Camp gives kids plenty of play time, which leads to healthy emotional and social development.
Children can reinvent themselves at camp.
Students often attend school year after year with the same peers, which can lead to labeling and being “stuck” with a particular perception. At Camp at the J, kids meet a whole other group of people in a different environment. Children get to reinvent themselves at camp and be who they truly are, which helps them to build confidence.
Camp promotes independence.
When children go to camp, they are given the opportunity to become more independent. Even during day camps, separation from one’s parents means campers have to learn to rely on themselves and other trusted adults and peers. Separation from parents gives a child the ability to think independently, which builds self-esteem.
Help your children build skills for life, all while having a blast at Camp at the J. Watch for details on our upcoming Camp at the J Cyber Monday special for 2018 and reserve your child’s place before camps begin to fill up in the spring!
