Life Lessons from Summer Camp

Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to start registering kids for camp. Whether your children attend day camps or overnight camps, it is sure to be a fun and memorable experience. Attending summer camp helps children step out of their comfort zone, experience different activities, develop new skills and spend time outside. Here are some of the valuable life lessons learned at summer camp.

Independence

“I love summer camp because it teaches the kids independence,” says Jayne Holmes, mom of four. Whether it’s for several hours or several days, kids are expected to be responsible for themselves when they’re away from parents. This includes everything from following a schedule and keeping track of belongings to making choices and “remembering” to shower. With counselors and peers

to guide and encourage, kids learn to be independent in a setting that is different from any other.

Empathy

When kids attend camp, they are exposed to peers with a variety of backgrounds, abilities, challenges and strengths. The camp environment forces kids to step out of their inner circle to meet and interact with new people. This helps kids understand the world

beyond their neighborhood and prepares them for high school and college, where student enrollment is bigger and more diverse. Kids begin to understand that despite differences, people with varying backgrounds can have similar interests and values. Camp helps build empathy and understanding, and teaches kids how to support one another.

Looking for camps designed for children with disabilities? Access the brand-new edition of Flourishing Families at www.SNRFSD.org.

Confidence

Camp gives kids opportunities to try a variety of activities and develop new interests. “[My kids] have come home with a new sense of grit and responsibility, as well as new interests such as astronomy, horseback riding and canoeing,” says Amy Cameron, mom of three. “They’ve also developed a love for the outdoors and found that technology isn’t always necessary for entertainment.”

Friendship

Relationships are the most important thing in life. At camp, kids often develop close friendships due to teamwork, camaraderie, quality time together and shared experiences. As kids get older and natural distance grows between camp buddies, they hang on to great memories. The ability to build friendships remains a valuable, lifelong skill.

Ready to start planning? Flip through the pages of this issue to find fun summer camps for kids. Find more online at www.sandiegofamily.com/ resources/summer-camps-andprograms. v

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer.

Get more tips in our article “10 Tips to Find the Right Day Camp” at www.sandiegofamily.com/ resources/summer-campsand-programs/10-tips-to-findthe-right-day-camp.

How to Choose Camps

Encouraging kids to step out of their comfort zone helps them grow, but finding the right fit is key to assuring they have positive experiences. Here are some things to consider when choosing camps.

Maturity : Consider your child’s level of maturity and experience being away from home. Are they ready for overnight camp or would a day camp or half-day camp be more appropriate this year?

Involve the kids in the process: If the kids are old enough (consider maturity), talk to them about what interests them, sounds fun or exciting to learn. Parents should make final decisions.

Personality : Is your child an extrovert who thrives in large group settings or an introvert who would do better in a smaller,

more individualized setting? Does she follow directions and rules willingly? Would a structured environment be beneficial or would your child navigate free time well?

Unique needs: Does your child have any allergies or disabilities that need to be taken into consideration? If so, look for camps with staff trained to meet your child’s unique needs.

Location: Does the location of day camp fit into your family’s summer routine? Are there friends or neighbors attending that you can carpool with?

Cost: Camp costs add up, especially if your child is going to multiple camps or you have multiple children. It’s wise to plan ahead for any necessary saving or fundraising, or to apply for scholarships.