Why Children Need Camp Today More Than Ever
by Jess Michaels
For over 100 years, children have enjoyed summers at camp learning new activities, making new friends and gaining important life skills. In recent years, it has become very clear that today’s young people need the camp experience now more than ever. Here are just a few reasons why:
Break from Technology – According to a 2015 Common Sense Media Report, children ages 8 – 12- spend an average of 4.5 hours each day with screen media and 6 hours with all media. Camp allows for a much needed break from technology. The majority of summer camps don’t allow technology, allowing for children to connect with each other, face to face, and participate in the many activities offered without the distraction of screens.
Improve Communication Skills – Because media use is so prevalent, children aren’t communicating the same way they were a generation ago. Talking has been replaced by texting, snap chatting and Instagram comments. Technology can also isolate young people, communicating from their bedrooms with a screen in hand instead of spending time with a friend one-on-one. Without the use of screens, campers are having conversations, laughing and reading social cues.
Gain Independence – Camp is one of the best environments for children to gain independence and have a healthy separation from their parents. At day camp, children board the bus and go to camp on their own, have the opportunity to choose some elective activities and learn to trust their own decisions without a parent by their side. Overnight camp provides for even more opportunities for independence. Children work through their own problems, choose what to eat at meals, and go to sleep in a different environment than home. These steps toward independence are important for children to become successful and independent adults.
Build Resilience – Camp builds resilience among children. Whether it’s getting over some homesickness the first week of camp or making it to the top of the climbing wall after being fearful for weeks, there are many opportunities for building resiliency.
This post was sponsored by American Camp Association, NY & NJ. If you would like to reach our readers, please contact us.
