6 Amazing Benefits of Attending Summer Camp
Thinking about warmer weather and sunny days? Looking for ways to keep your kids happy and healthy this summer? Want your kids to make friends, establish good habits, and most importantly, have fun?
6 Benefits of Summer Camp!
1. CAMP BOOSTS CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM
Learning new skills, competing in organized camp games, and making new friends are just a few examples of how summer camp can improve self-esteem and confidence in campers. According to a study conducted by the American Camp Association, over 90% of campers and over 95% of parents reported improved self-esteem and confidence as a direct result of their participation in summer camp. Improved self-esteem and confidence leads to healthier and happier kids year-round!
2. GOING SCREEN FREE
The world is becoming increasingly more reliant on technology such as computers, smartphones and tablets. But at camp, kids are screen-free (with the exception of our Mission: Code & Video Game Design Camps)! Research shows that going tech free at summer camp actually changes kids’ brains. This research shows that kids who attend summer camp with no technology gain an improved ability to interpret non-verbal social cues. Without the distractions of the online world, kids learn how to better engage with the real world. These are skills that will help them navigate their social lives for years to come!
3. HELPS KIDS GAIN INDEPENDENCE
Being away from home and at camp can be scary, for both parents and kids. But by overcoming those initial fears, kids soon feel comfortable in these new surroundings. Research shows that through interaction with a new group of peers, risk-taking (within limits), and learning how to self-advocate, kids learn how to be independent at camp. All of these activities and interactions help them to develop their independence and sense of self!
4. MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND IMPROVE SOCIAL SKILLS
It’s no secret that social skills are an extremely important part of child development. According to a study conducted by the American Camp Association, 96% of campers report that camp helped them make new friends. Even more impressive, the majority of campers stayed in contact with camp friends months after summer ended!
5. LEARN NEW SKILLS
Choose from a variety of camps that help foster your child’s growing mind! Kids can learn how to code, become mini engineers via LEGOs, discover the art of cooking and more! Learning new skills gives kids a sense of accomplishment and improves their confidence. Not to mention it's fun!
Learn about specialty camps here!
6. INTRODUCES KIDS TO AN ACTIVE AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Camp makes being healthy fun! Through active play and engaging games, kids learn that exercise can be fun. At lunchtime and during snack breaks, kids watch counselors choose to drink water instead of soda, and to eat fruit over candy. Watching their counselors make these healthy choices can inspire kids to make these healthy choices too. Because what kid doesn’t want to be like their super cool counselor? Camp makes being healthy fun!
Learn about sports camps here!
For over 80 years, the Summit Area YMCA has been offering a place for kids to learn and explore in a safe and secure environment. Offering over 40+ traditional, travel, sports, arts, and science camp options, there is something for every child at the Summit Area YMCA. For a great summer full of fun and learning, sign up for camp at the Summit Area YMCA today!
Learn more about our Summer Camps and register beginning January 4!
If you secure your spot before February 28 you can save $15 on each week of camp! USE CODE: EBP2021 at checkout through February 28, 2021.
SUMMIT AREA YMCA
BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA | SUMMIT YMCA | THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA
In 1886, we were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association, but today, we are The Y. An association that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. We stand for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility — For a better us. We are committed to creating equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, age, disability, income, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive culture in which our four core values — responsibility, honesty, caring and respect — are integral to everyday operations.
Each year, as one of the area’s leading 501(c)3 charitable organizations, the Summit Area YMCA serves more than 15,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the New Jersey communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Our history is rooted in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those in need.
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