As the holiday season approaches, it seems like thoughts of summer are far away, however this is the time to think about summer camp. Camps often offer the best financial deals during the fall and early winter. As parents try to negotiate the ever-growing cost of that perfect gift for their children, summer camps are hoping that someone in the family thinks about giving the gift of camp. While kids outgrow or get tired of many of their holiday presents, camp is a gift that keeps giving.
There are many reasons to send you child to summer camp. First off it is a great place to meet other kids and make new friends. Unlike school, camp is a place where interaction is encouraged, as nobody has to sit quietly and complete an assignment. Camp is a great opportunity to interact with kids from all kinds of backgrounds. Often campers look at summer camp as a fresh start, a place where nobody from school knows them and there are no pre-conceived notions. Unlikely groups of kids bond over something funny or adventurous and friendships are formed.
Camp is a place where kids learn to support each other. Hearing the sounds of fellow campmates cheering and supporting each other through activities is an experience that a child can never forget. The many new and different activities often put campers outside their comfort zone, and as they succeed, self confidence grows at a very fast pace. Watching campers take on the challenge of a high ropes course or jump into the lake is amazing, but there is no memory that surpasses the face of the young five year old campers who came to camp afraid of the water but after a few lessons, put their head under for the first time. You can see the twinkle in their eye yell out, “I can do anything!”
Campers have an opportunity to try new activities, think for themselves, see new and different things and become much more self-reliant. It’s because of these amazing experiences that kids learn about themselves. They enjoy getting dirty, holding frogs and learning that it is ok to just be themselves. Camps design program as a place without judgment, where learning new skills is part of each and every day. There is something for everyone at camp. A typical camp day might include instructional swimming, martial arts, pottery, drama, basketball, fitness, nature, boating and archery, not to mention lunch and snack.
If nothing else, the summer is a time for taking in fresh air, putting down the devices and getting active. Many camps are located in beautiful areas with lakes surrounded by trees. Camps offer kids a chance to learn about the environment and how important it is to take care of. Seeing and playing in an environment like that everyday encourages kids to develop a connection with nature and often forges a desire to care for it.
Camp is a place to learn life skills. On top of independence, confidence, and teamwork, campers also learn social skills, problem solving skills, how to communicate, and responsibility. This just skims the surface of the life skills they will learn at camp!
If you ask any camper why they like camp, the answer typically is because “it’s fun!” Sure parents might plan some nice trips and take the kids to visit family, but where can kids get a chance to enjoy daily outdoor activities designed so that they are safe (both emotionally and physically), make new friends, and sing and laugh all day? Only at camp.
So when you are thinking about a great holiday gift, think about summer camp. It’s a place where kids grow, make memories, friends and try so many new things. Summer camp is truly the gift that keeps giving!
Mike Halpern is the Director of Youth Services at Mosholu Montefiore Community Center. He has been the Director at Mosholu Day Camp for the past 30 years. A retired NYC teacher, Mike is a life long camper, having spent each summer of his life either attending or working at a camp. He is a member of the New York State Camp Director’s Association and The American Camping Association.