Every so often you hear the story of a child's nightmarish experience at camp. But, for the most part, camp is a positive experience that is fondly remembered for the rest of a person's life.
Why Send Children to Camp?
There are many benefits to sending kids to camp:
- Helps children develop social skills.
- Keeps children active.
- Helps children develop the skills that are taught at the camp.
- Helps children make new friends.
- New learning experience.
- Fosters group dynamics in children.
- For city kids, some camps are a chance to experience nature and learn outdoor skills.
- An option for working parents who don’t want to leave their kids at home alone.
Before you decide on a camp, you need to figure out if your children are ready and willing to go. It’s a good sign if they are looking forward to the camp experience and aren’t anxious. If in doubt, try a day camp before sending them to an overnight camp. Other positive overnight experiences away from home without a family member are good indicators. Alternately, if your child went to camp last summer and doesn’t want to go this year, find out why.
Different Types of Camps
There are many kinds of camps, one to suit every need and budget.
- Day camp – These camps run during the day, often from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. with optional before and after care. Children sleep in their own beds at night.
- Residential camp – These camps allow children to reside at the camping facility. Some people call them sleepaway camps as the children sleep at the camp, not at home.
- Agency sponsored camps – These camps are put on by organizations as a service to the community.
- Special needs camps – Children with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental needs have the option of camps tailored to them.
- Specialty camps – These camps specialize in one activity such as a sport or an artistic field or hobby. They include travel camps. These are ideal for children who have a strong passion for the particular interest.
- Religious camps – These camps are put on by varying religious affiliations as a service to its members and the community. Religious content may or may not be part of the camp program.
- Weekend camps – These camps usually run from Friday evening until Sunday evening.
- Municipality camps – Many cities offer camp programs through their recreational department; they are usually day camps.
- Private camps – When we say private, we mean the camp is privately owned, not that the camp in unavailable to the public. The camp operates on the owner’s philosophies.
While most camps are co-ed, there are also camps that cater to girls only, boys only, adults only, and families.
If you send your children to camp, know you are likely giving them a gift they will treasure for years to come.
Toby Welch - Toby is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in magazine articles, online writing, e-books, and manuscript editing.
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