Summer is here! For most of us, we look back on the seemingly endless, carefree summer days of our childhood with fondness and joy. However, now that we are parents, some of us may have mixed feelings about this season for our own kids. How will we manage childcare while working? How can we avoid the "I'm bored!" comments? Are there any educational summer activities we can get them involved in? Why is our grocery bill and electricity suddenly so much higher?
One of the best answers to these questions can be summed up in two words: SUMMER CAMP! Not only is summer camp fun, but did you know that there are a wide range of benefits of summer camp for children? Here are just a few.
Socializing and Friendship Building – One of the greatest benefits of summer camp for youth is that they get to socialize and meet new people. During summer break, kids often find it difficult to form or maintain friendships with peers their own age. Besides their siblings or cousins, most kids would say that they mainly interact with adults when they are not in school. Not only do kids develop important life skills through socializing – such as sharing, setting boundaries, and problem-solving – they also are learning how to develop strong, healthy relationships through interacting with their peers. A summer camp program provides a safe environment for children to develop social skills, decision-making skills, and maybe even experience the great outdoors.
Eliminating Screen Time and Getting Exercise – In a world full of technology, sedentary-related conditions are on the rise. In fact, physical inactivity is currently the leading cause of disease and disabilities in the United States, and it all starts in childhood.
Personal Growth, Learning, and Development – Most summer camps focus on a theme, or incorporate aspects of learning, exploring, character building and personal growth.
Positive Role Models – Another benefit of summer camp is that it provides your child with the opportunity to interact with positive adult role models. The formation of these role model relationships can help kids to develop the confidence, self-esteem and skills they need to be successful in school and in life.
Making Memories – Many adults would say that some of their fondest memories were those sunny, summer camp experiences as they were growing up. Unfortunately, kids today are missing out on some of the simplicity of life before the technological era.
No comments:
Post a Comment