As a parent, the first question that comes to mind when you think of summer camp is whether it has any positive effect on your children’s lives. Well, summer camp might be one of the most underrated events. It is usually one of the best opportunities for your child to gain skills that can help them navigate life more easily.
Summer camp will expose your kids to extra activities they wouldn’t normally try, igniting their adventurous spirit and growing their confidence.
Aside from all the fun they experience, there are three more amazing benefits of summer camp for children.
1. Improved Physical and Mental Health
According to the WHO, childhood obesity is a major health risk in the 21st century, with over 124 million children affected by obesity. This is a health crisis!
On the bright side, research shows that summer camps may encourage physical fitness and prevent weight gain since there is no access to unhealthy food. Plus, children actively take part in activities that support their physical health.
Another study found that the number of steps children took in a normal day of camp activity met and even exceeded the U. S Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for children’s physical activity. And over 80% met the recommended levels of physical activity during their summer camps.
Too much screen time is the leading cause of anxiety and depression in children. Summer camp provides not only a screen break for them but there is evidence of decreased separation anxiety and increased global functioning for children suffering from separation anxiety disorder. Camp leadership programs can significantly reduce depression for youth with learning disabilities.
Other physical and mental health benefits of summer camp for children are:
- Aerobic fitness and healthy blood pressure
- Weight loss and physical fitness
- Healthy BMI
- Reduced levels of stress
2. Social and Emotional Development
Summer camp can have a positive influence on a child’s personal development. Children develop their social and emotional skills by learning how to interact with others.
Examples of social and emotional skills:
- Listening to others
- Cooperating with others and teamwork
- Following directions
- Sharing with others
- Respecting others and their personal space
Children with good social skills have a high chance of success in the future, but those who do not have social and emotional skills tend to experience relationship problems, trouble with the law, and substance abuse.
Social skills are a major factor when making friends. Childhood friendships benefit a child’s mental health and contribute greatly to gaining advanced social skills such as conflict resolution and problem-solving.
Some more skills they can learn in summer camp:
- Effective communication so they can speak up for themselves
- Improved ability to maintain friendships and get help from friends
- Enhanced self-esteem
- Increased ability to understand a person’s tone of voice and actions
- Leadership skills, independence, and belief in themselves
- Self-regulation and increased emotional intelligence
- Increased empathy and healthy self-concept
3. Reduced Loss of Academic Knowledge
Most children will lose what they learned in school during the long summer break. Some summer camps offer educational programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Others provide reading, writing, and arts for fun and interactive learning.
Some of the academic benefits of summer camp for children include:
- Improved reading ability
- Improved math skills
- High attendance for the school year and an appreciation for learning
- Increased completion of courses and improved grades
Ready to Register your Child for Summer Camp?
At National Kids Camps, we offer unique summer experiences on either full or half-day options.
We have different camps to suit your child’s interests, such as our Legendary Waves and Wheels Summer Camp, Mountain Bike Kids Camp, Tennis Camp, Decathlon Sports Camp, and many more.
You will also qualify for the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit with all our programs.
Recent Comments