There are many reasons why kids need camp. With lots of activities to do, adventures to have and friendships to start, there is no doubt that camp is loads of fun. But having fun is only the beginning of reasons to be there. From increased social connection to school life adjustment, here are 10 reasons why kids need camp this summer!
REASON 1: SOCIAL CONNECTION & DEVELOPMENT
Kids need camp this summer to help bring them together.
These few years have seen more screen time and less social connection1. Thankfully, camp addresses screen time by promoting social development!
At camp, kids are in a space where they feel safe to form friendships, embrace community and work in a team.
REASON 2: HEALTH & WELLNESS
In addition to social connection, kids need camp because it promotes physical, mental and emotional health. As a result, young people see positive impacts within themselves.
DID YOU KNOW? Activities in a nature-based environment decrease stress and increase positive health-related outcomes?2 Some of these positive outcomes are:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Enhanced positive mood
- Decreased depression
- Improved stress coping mechanisms.
REASON 3: PERSPECTIVE of INWARD
Connection leads to healthy kids and increased confidence levels. In 2021, Moorelands Camp reported that 81% of campers said they were more confident.
Kids need camp so they can experience the safety and support of their peers to be confident in who they are!
REASON 4: PERSPECTIVE of OUTWARD
Alan Cohen says, “You are in integrity when the life you are living on the outside matches who you are on the inside.”
Kids need camp to be more optimistic about the world around them. At camp, they grow in confidence to accept others and work with them in creating a hopeful future.
REASON 5: RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OUTDOORS
The fifth reason kids need camp is because it builds their relationship with nature.
By taking a break from their reality, kids associate their positive development with their outdoor interactions. As a result, they want to be more engaged with the world around them.
REASON 6: CRITICAL DEVELOPMENT AT CAMP
As kids go through critical milestones to develop physically, emotionally, mentally and behaviourally, camp programs effectively support them.
Camp programs work on interpersonal skills, positive self-esteem and leadership to impact children’s physiological growth.3 It also supports physical, social, emotional and physiological function to improve the quality of a child’s life.
REASON 7: RESILIENCY
In a safe and supportive environment like camp, kids grow in the life skill of resiliency. They will face challenges, but are supported in pushing forward and overcoming them.
From climbing a tower to learning how to swim, kids need camp because they learn to believe in themselves no matter what challenges they face.
REASON 8: SCHOOL-LIFE ADJUSTMENT
Having to face school when summer is over is another reason why kids need camp! From camp, kids gain positive peer relationships, healthy coping mechanisms and the confidence to face the school-life space.
With their new found confidence, kids are more satisfied with their school experience.
REASON 9: CONNECTION TO COMMUNITY
At camp, everything is supported in community. Sports, singing, competitions, whatever it may be, kids at camp are connected to those around them and feel a sense of belonging and safety.
Having a community to experience positive support and growth is why kids need camp.
REASON 10: LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Moorelands Camp is unique because we offer fun activities, community, and positive leadership development programs. In these programs, kids encounter experience-based learning and fun activities that teach leadership habits and qualities.
It’s not just about succeeding at camp or at school, but being a positive leader in your community.
