Displaying items by tag: kids summer camp
As summer camp directors we often see the "magic" of camp. Sure we know alot of hard work and dedication goes into each summer to make it a success. But something much more than fun comes out of camp, we see it every summer , Below is an article I recently found in Chicago Parent Magazine written by a Mom that see the benefits
The greatest gift my parents ever gave me was the privilege of summer camp — a tradition we’ve passed on to my children. At camp I learned to water ski, sail, canoe and horseback ride. I can make a killer lanyard key chain or beaded necklace. But these are just the things that you DO at camp. It’s what happens in between all of these activities that make camp so special.
Here are 5 things you learn at camp that stay with you for a lifetime.
Independence.
It goes without saying, but at camp you’re not only away from your parents, you’re away from electronics, from your school friends, from the conveniences of home. Yet you learn through the deepest of interpersonal skills that you are capable of figuring out just about anything on your own.
Confidence.
Camp is where you learn to laugh and dance like no one is watching. You also try things that you never would anywhere else. The camp aura gives you a boost of confidence to step out of your comfort zone. There is no judgment and the staff is there to ensure that your child comes home a stronger individual than when they left.
The importance of connection and tradition.
When you are away with the same people summer after summer, something incredible happens. You build upon your experiences with each other, often connecting back to the past and build moments that you learn to look forward to. In my adult life this has helped me form the experiences we have with our children, year after year in our own home.
Contentment with yourself.
When I think back to camp, it was where I learned to just BE. With myself, with others, with nature. Some of my most favorite memories from camp are simply hanging out on the porch, the cabin or the beach, laughing. You realize that all the STUFF just DOESN’T MATTER.
The importance of friendship.
True friendship. Camp is where you learn HOW to make friends. You learn how to resolve conflict without your parents stepping in, and after living with the same kids for four or eight weeks, you come home being able to recognize the meaning of true friendship. Giving your child a break from their everyday and the chance to make new friends on their own is a life skill you can’t get anywhere else — and one that will serve them forever.
I cry when I put my kids on the camp bus each year because I know what lies ahead on the other end of their ride. I know that the weeks spent at summer camp will be some of the best in their entire life. And also, I cry because I wish that I could go, too.
Lindsay Pinchuk is a suburban Chicago mom of two girls and an award-winning community builder and entrepreneur who is working to help small businesses thrive.
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Every summer millions of children go to overnight summer camp. But Why? Oh sure, some parents just need day care. But the vast majority of parents that are thinking about sending their child to overnight summer camp, do not take this responsibility lightly. They do their research by: going to camp fairs, talking to friends, taking camp tours and chatting with references. Why do all this? Because when you select the right Overnight Summer Camp for your child, it will be a life changer and an experience they will want to repeat summer after summer. Maybe thats why children from all around the world come to USA Summer Camps
So how does summer camp change kids lives? Not every camp is the same, so I can only speak about our overnight summer camp. Swift Nature Camp is located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. We cater to children 6–15, with a leadership program for our 16 & 17 year old campers. Our small camp blends old-fashioned camp activities on land and water, with environmental and nature learning. Plus we have a camp zoo, where children who love animals can even adopt one while they are at camp.
Here are ways that children’s lives are changed because of camp:
1) Great Staff- When you get young people who are dedicated to kids full time, your child feels it. Camp counselors have boundless energy and enthusiasm- something parents often loose as they get older. It’s like having the best big sister or brother in the world who really cares about you. They want you to be your best. So children look up to these counselors and since they are role modeling positive values, your child will pick those up and bring them home.
2) Communal Living- Yes, your child will be living in a cabin with 5–8 other children of their own age, building new friendships and developing strong new social circles. For most children this is a new experience. When you live with others, you have to be a little less worried about yourself and be thinking more about others. That is part of the natural progression of kids from self to others. Camp pushes them a little further along this road.
3) Nature-This day and age we live our lives inside. There is a big beautiful world out there that children should learn about and they should not be afraid of. All of science is saying, humans need to be connected to their environment, enjoy the beauty of the simple things in life. That’s why at SNC, we often take our kids to the lake to quietly enjoy a sunset.
4) Independence- Today we have so many types of parents, and often we see loving parents that hold their children back, not intentionally. But, sometimes they just don’t see that kids need and want to get out on their own, make decisions on their own and try new things. A Nature Camp is a safe place to try things, make mistakes and move on. This is all part of growing up and camp is the safe and supervised place this takes place.
5) Play is an amazing tool. It helps children get exercise, loose weight and feel better. More important, Free Play can help children resolve conflict, problem solve and be creative. Daily, at camp have 1.5 hours dedicated to free play, where campers can do the activities they want to do. This is like the old days, when children could just go outside and play.
One thing we hear from parents every summer is “I wish I would have sent my child to Swift Nature Camp sooner” you see, childhood is a once-off thing. Too soon it’s over, and you can’t reclaim the years, but you can look back on incredible memories. That’s why summer camp is so important — it’s a fun, positive experience where children can simply be children and have the time of their lives. Overnight summer camp is a vital part of a child’s personal growth and development
It’s the small size and attention to detail that makes camp so successful at promote each child’s personal development. Sending your child to Swift Nature Camp is a gift, one your child will cherish for the rest of their life. Maybe that’s why 92% of our campers want to return each summer to this Wisconsin Summer Camp.