When you picture summer camp, maybe you think of canoe races on a lake, nature hikes, and campfires. Along with those fun memories, the opportunities at a camp are helpful to children’s development.
Education
During summer breaks, students lose up to a third of the content they learned the previous year, according to Brown University research. This particularly widens the achievement gap between socioeconomic and racial groups.
“Regarding the summer period, the achievement gap increase over this period traced back almost entirely to differences in summer learning, largely to the summers between first and second grade and between second and third grade,” according to National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine research.
Participating in educational activities, such as camp, can prevent loss and even increase knowledge.
“Kids who are usually immersed in academics may become aware of new skills that they didn’t know they had,” Leah Shafer writes for Harvard Graduate School of Education. “For children who struggle in school, these opportunities can increase self-confidence.”
Socialization
A major benefit of summer camp is the social skills kids develop.
“Besides their siblings or cousins, most kids would say that they mainly interact with adults when they are not in school,” according to the Children’s Bureau. “Not only do kids develop important life skills through socializing — such as sharing, setting boundaries, and problem-solving — they also are learning how to develop strong, healthy relationships through interacting with their peers.”
Campers learn to work together and problem solve, skills that will be critical throughout their lives.
“An understanding of teamwork helps a child realize working with others is sometimes the most efficient way to get things done,” according to YMCA. “They will value teamwork as a solution, rather than think they need to handle tasks on their own. As a result, children will grow up with an eagerness to be active members of their community.”
Additionally, most summer camps have young adult counselors, who become role models.
“The formation of these role model relationships can help kids to develop the confidence, self-esteem, and skills they need to be successful in school and in life,” according to the Children’s Bureau. “Overall, the more healthy, positive adult relationships that a child or youth has in their life, the more likely they are to thrive in all areas, long after summer camp has ended.”
Health
During the school year, students can get nutritious meals, recess time, and physical education classes to help them practice healthy habits. Such habits are important to continually develop, especially because nearly two-thirds of children are not active enough, “with serious implications for their future health,” according to the World Health Organization.
Summer camp helps children to continue learning about the benefits of nutrition and exercise in an enjoyable way.
“Camp programs encourage healthy eating and physical activity,” according to YMCA. “At camp, kids have the opportunity to participate in all kinds of fun physical activities at any skill level.”
Experience
Summer camp is an opportunity to have fun, unique experiences in a safe environment.
“Yes, your child may miss their phone, tablet, or gaming system at first, but once they start exploring, interacting with their peers, engaging in a variety of activities, and having new adventures, they are sure to leave summer camp with stories, photographs, friendships, life lessons, and memories that will last a lifetime,” according to the Children’s Bureau.
Enroll your children in summer camp for continued education, social opportunities, and experiences that will stay with them for life.
View Noozhawk’s Summer Camp Guide for a list of local organizations holding camps, programs, & activities for kids in Santa Barbara County this summer.