5 Life Lessons Learned at Camp

Life lessons. These are moments when the lightbulb goes off over a child’s head. Kids begin to understand the concept of two plus two. They see something they can’t un-see or learn something they’ll never forget. Over the last 150-plus years, camp has provided opportunities for children and adults to discover or further develop many life lessons. Here are just a few.

It’s all about relationships

Life doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and no one can do this alone. Just like a classroom, children have opportunities at camp to share experiences with peers, develop friendships, and learn the ups and downs of getting along with others. By the nature of co-existing in the same space and enjoying similar experiences, camp encourages children to develop and maintain skills necessary to relationship building.

“I can do that!” Confidence

Camp thrives on self-efficacy in young people. Enjoying success in a healthy manner and learning to overcome obstacles or even failures are hallmarks of a camp experience. For both campers and staff, these experiences allow young people to feel proud when things go well and encourages resilience when they don’t. Take a risk. One way to build confidence is to try something new. Camp is rife with safe, healthy opportunities for children to take a chance. This could mean climbing a 30-foot wall, trying out for the camp production of Peter Pan, riding a horse, or trying broccoli for the first time. At camp, young people learn how to take risks and learn from their outcomes.

It’s a great big world out there

When children go to camp, they interact with peers and adults from places they might have never seen or even heard of. Campers might hear a new song or accent. They may meet someone from another state or country, and sometimes they run into people from home who become lifelong friends at camp. Camp is an opportunity to both try new things and meet new people.

Not all learning happens in a classroom

Last but certainly not least: campers discover that school does not have a monopoly on learning. Campers develop new skills, learn about their own passions and interests, and are exposed to ideas and experiences that don’t normally sneak into a formal classroom. Without knowing it, campers are learning every day by simply getting out and going to camp.

For more information about camp and the benefits of the camp experience, contact the American Camp Association New England or visit www.acanewengland.org.

Day Camp or Overnight Camp?

Many overnight camps begin taking campers between ages 7-9 years old. However, some children may be ready at 6 and some others may not be ready at 10. While there is no clear, linear checklist to determine whether day or overnight camp is right for your child, the following questions can help guide that conversation.

· What is the primary reason for wanting to go to camp?

· Has your child ever spent multiple nights sleeping away from home?

· What’s your budget for camp?

· Can your child bath and dress themselves independently?

· How far away from home do you want your child’s camp experience to be?

· What activities are important to your camper’s experience?

These questions can help begin a dialogue with your family about which camp experience is the best fit for you. The choice of day versus residential camp is one important aspect of the overall decision. But even then, make sure you follow up with those potential camps. Talk to directors. Ask for tours. Ask for references. Do your due diligence. In the end both you and the camp want this summer to be the first of many and the beginning of a great relationship.