The Benefits of Summer Camps for Children

Summer is nearly here, bringing about many new considerations for parents. Most parents must consider childcare for the summer, activities to prevent their kids from being bored and educational programs. A go-to solution for these concerns is summer camp. 

Continue reading to learn the benefits of summer camps for children: 

9 Benefits of Summer Camps for Kids

Experiencing summer camp has lifelong positive effects on children because it allows kids to socialize and learn in a new environment. Here are some of the other benefits of summer camps:

1. Provides Social Interaction 

Kid's summer camps in the Greater Philadelphia area provide the perfect setting and opportunity for children to socialize. Camp brings children together from various backgrounds in a relaxing environment, making it easier for them to form friendships with like-minded peers. Many kids who may not have met otherwise develop lifelong friendships by sharing the experience of camp together.

2. Helps Kids Develop Lifelong Skills

Research has shown that children's mental health and cognitive abilities can worsen during the summer. However, this won't happen if children continue to learn and grow over the break. Camps are an excellent place for nurturing learning and development. Through summer camp activities, kids can learn lifelong skills, such as:

• Teamwork: Most activities at camp are group activities, which encourage collaboration. They also expose children to various viewpoints and opinions, which teaches children that not everyone has the same perspective or beliefs they do. This exposure reinforces what they learn in school about respecting differences to accomplish goals and live in harmony.
• Leadership: Children can lead group activities and gain leadership skills at camp, and may even grow to work as counselors at the camps they attend as children.
• Communication: Communication is a key factor in maintaining healthy relationships. Kids enhance their communication skills through socialization and teamwork.
• Decision-making: At camp, kids may need to overcome obstacles or challenges. These activities aid in developing decision-making skills. 
• Problem-solving: Kids will develop problem-solving skills as they work through disagreements.
• Independence: While at camp, kids spend time away from their parents or guardians. They must make decisions on their own without guidance from other adults. Being away from home helps them become more self-reliant and independent. With the freedom to grow and flourish, they can discover their strengths and weaknesses as they explore the world. 
• Resiliency: Camp activities provide children with the opportunity to become more resilient. They will face challenges that they have to work hard to overcome.
• Confidence: Since they make their own decisions, children gain more self-confidence. Camps also provide plenty of opportunities for children to succeed. Through non-competitive activities, children can accomplish something every day.

If your child attends a specialty camp, they can focus on honing a specific skill, such as cooking, art, science and sports. The Y has partnered with Character Lab, a non-profit organization that connects researchers with educators to create greater knowledge about the conditions that lead to social, emotional, academic and physical well-being for young people. This team has developed playbooks and tips of actionable advice on character development, which we at the Y have infused into our programming.

3. Helps Kids Connect With Nature

When children are at camp, they have to opportunity to disconnect from technology and screens. At many camps, children are able to explore the natural world and engage in fun, screen-free activities. The physical and mental activities at camp foster creativity and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Destination camps, like Camp Speers in the Poconos, provide a unique opportunity for children to experience nature. Camp Speers is in the mountains and offers day and overnight camp options. Surrounded by 1,100 beautifully forested acres in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, it's still only a couple hours from downtown Philadelphia. At the center of the camp is 42-acre Lake Nichecronk, where children can swim, kayak, paddleboard and more, making it the perfect mountain getaway for campers to commune with nature. 

4. Helps Kids Make Memories

Your child will possess fond memories of their time at summer camp. These memories stem from participating in activities, making new friends, coming out of their shells and going on adventures. Such positive memories will stay with them for a lifetime.

5. Introduces Positive Role Models

Camp counselors are generally young adult volunteers or part-time workers on break from college supervised by a professional camp organizer. Children at camp look up to these counselors, who have strong characters and are positive role models.

6. Offers Unstructured Playtime

Summer camp provides a safe, comforting environment away from the rigid schedule of school where children can let loose and have fun. Kids are free to be themselves and explore old and new interests and hobbies. In general, they have the free time to be silly and play.

7. Creates a Sense of Belonging

Children feel a greater connection to their community through camp activities. This sense of community and collaboration teaches them that they can make a difference that matters. Additionally, community involvement gives children a sense of belonging. A sense of belonging combats loneliness and improves mental health.

8. Provides You With Free Time

Parents can benefit from summer camps by going about their daily routines without worrying about how to entertain their kids. For working parents, summer camps offer a more enjoyable form of child care.

Find the Right Camp for Your Child

Summer camps are an excellent choice for kids because of the benefits they offer. Your child will be able to grow, learn, develop and lead a healthier lifestyle. As a nonprofit organization where all are welcome, the Greater Philadelphia YMCA is committed to connecting people to the community and a healthier life in mind, body and soul.

Child summer camps in the Greater Philadelphia Area provide a fun and engaging environment for children to grow. Our summer camp offerings include:

• Traditional Camp: These camps group children by age and grade. The kids will make new friends and explore nature. Traditional camp activities like art, music, swimming and sports will help them build confidence, learn new skills and grow. There are weekly themes, special activities and events.
• Specialty Camp: Specialty camps focus on a specific theme, sport, art or topic. They offer an immersive experience so campers can cultivate their talent in a hobby or sport or try something new. 
• Dragonfly Forest Day Camp: Dragonfly Forest Day Camp is for children with special needs and abilities and strives to provide the structure and support children need to succeed in all areas of life. This camp can help build self-confidence and foster independence.
• Leaders in Training Camp: This is a traditional camp option for teens who want to gain leadership experience from group learning and shadowing staff. Teens can improve their leadership skills and mentor children as young as four.

Our organization offers a variety of options for children's summer camps in the Greater Philadelphia area. We have something for everyone, including camps focusing on theater, science, adventure and sports. Find the right camp for your child today!