No matter the age, whenever a
conversation about summer camp comes up, those who have “been to camp” talk
passionately about their experience of action-packed adventure, life-long friendships,
testing their limits, unrestrained laughter and accomplishing new things.
Summer camp provides a positive, encouraging environment where one can have fun
without the peer pressure found elsewhere. If you are trying to decide about this
being one of the options for your child this summer, consider the reasons why
you would give the gift of camp to them.
1. Experiencing adventures and activities in a unique environment. A camp environment
is unlike anywhere else. Your child will experience the dynamics of the
outdoors with a diversity of kids, often in a small group — making this
unlike a classroom or other small group participation. The activities are
designed to challenge campers in an encouraging environment to help them grow exponentially
in areas of self-confidence, independence, leadership, trust, friendship
skills, social comfort, values and decision-making. A lot of positive change
can happen in a week or two at camp.
2. Unplugging. At many traditional camps, like Deer Run Camps in
Thompson’s Station, Tenn., kids and teens are able to unplug and leave the
distractions of technology at home enabling them to connect face-to-face for an
extended amount of time with other kids and young-adult role models. Being
unplugged allows them to
