Why Parents Appreciate Summer Camp
As the new year picks up pace, resolution makers ponder how to come through on the self-promises made. As parents resolving to enhance the experiences of their children and themselves in the coming year, finding a great summer camp program offers many great growth opportunities. In a recent blog article, camp directors Stephanie and Mitch Reiter explore what children develop at summer camp and how families and parents appreciate those developments. Bullets below, with the full article available at this link.
1. A willingness to try new things. When children experience the reward of trying new things, it makes them want to try more.
What parents are thankful for: Less time spent as short order cook; more time planning new and exciting activities for your child.
2. Pride in taking care of themselves. Campers actually brush their teeth, comb their hair, shower and dress themselves. … they know it’s on them to get it done and “everybody is doing it.” …Once they get it, they feel good to know they can do it themselves! When they come home from camp, they actually find it FUN and empowering!
What parents are thankful for: Shower hour for them is now rest hour for you!
3. Respect for their home and family. Campers are responsible for clearing and stacking their plates, recycling, cleaning their bunk, organizing their belongings, folding their clothes and making their beds. They are held to standards during inspection and feel pressure from their camp family (aka their bunkmates) to uphold their responsibilities. If not, there are consequences. No one wants to let down his or her bunk.
What parents are thankful for: A child who contributes to the overall tidiness and order of your home.
4. Appreciation for rest time. At camp we are 100 percent disconnected from technology and 100 percent connected to each other. Rest time doesn’t equal playing on the iPad, DS or watching television. When your camper comes home, you will be amazed at the activities they gravitate towards during down time. New hobbies like reading, playing cards, making bracelets, writing in a journal, playing ball are a refreshing change for you and them.
What parents are thankful for: Good old-fashioned fun like the old days, such as family game night, bringing a deck of cards to dinner (instead of the iPad) and maybe even a love for books. Imagine a world where you don’t have to nag your child to read? Also, your child may enjoy more quiet time in their room… an escape from the hustle of daily life.
5. Awareness and connection to life around them. At camp we always look up. We look into each other’s eyes. Our hands are free for holding, playing and creating. At camp we connect. We are plugged into life. We live in the moment. Kids learn to really listen to each other at camp. They understand what moves them, what scares them and what it means to be a true friend. They learn the implications of their actions on others, how to resolve differences, how to lead and how to be a part of a group.
What parents are thankful for: A better child. A better son or daughter. A better sister or brother. A better friend. A better student. A better community member. A better teammate.