From 2015 to 2020, the summer camp industry in the U.S. grew by 3.4 percent.
With summer right around the corner, have you thought about any camp activities? Whether you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate or hone in on a specific skill, there are many benefits of camp that you or your child will enjoy.
For more on why everyone should attend camp at least once, read on for our basic guide.
1. Mental and Physical Health
One of the top benefits of going to camp is the focus on improving both mental and physical health. For children, teens, and young adults, summer retreats offer valuable time to improve in these areas.
If your child has attended school all year long, they might be in need of a relaxing retreat. Studies show that during the school year, teens report that their stress far exceeds a healthy level. By attending a summer camp, children, teens, and young adults can work on reviving their mental health.
Many summer camps also focus on physical health by keeping attendees active. Some camp activities might involve hiking, swimming, exercising, or playing outdoors. This can help keep muscles strong and hearts healthy.
2. Social Skills
Another way that summer camp benefits its attendees is by helping them practice social skills. Studies show that children who exhibit high levels of sociability are more likely to succeed in education and in the workforce. By attending summer camp and interacting with others, your child can develop their social skills in a valuable way.
Many people who attend summer camp don’t know any other campers previously. Others return to their summer camp friends each year. At camp, there is a wide variety of attendees and counselors.
This can help teens and children get acclimated with different personality types and learn how to work in groups. Most camps have group activities from morning to evening that teach teamwork, cooperation, and sharing. Many of these activities can also help a shy or reserved person come out of their shell.
3. Independence, Leadership, and Responsibility
When attending any type of camp, your child or teen will learn a valuable lesson in independence. For many campers, it will be their first time away from home. This can help them to be less co-dependent and more self-reliant.
Campers also get a valuable lesson in responsibility and leadership. Many camp activities require that participants take control of a situation and learn skills to help them succeed. These are qualities that will carry over into many other areas of life.
The best summer camps also have structured organization that helps them run a more effective program. Through tools like ultracamp, camps are able to do more with their attendees.
When your child comes home, you’ll notice that they may feel more confident and more willing to take control of their responsibilities.
Experience the Many Benefits of Camp
Now that you know our top three benefits of camp, what are you waiting for? Enroll your child or teen in camp this summer and aid in their growth today.
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