Summer Camp today, while still delivering the promise of life lessons and lifelong friendships, today’s camps are continually evolving to meet the needs of 21st Century families and their children. Summer camps, as always, work hard to help today’s kids survive and thrive in their communities as well as the greater global environment. Having been around now for more than 150 years, summer camps are the one summer adventure consistently devoted to kids and their well-being.
Summer Camp Promotes Better Eating Habits
In a recent study by the American Camp Association (ACA), children who attend summer camp consume 74 percent more water than their non-camp counterparts. In addition, 50 percent of campers also choose to drink other healthy options and reduced their intake of sugary foods and drinks by 47 percent. On top of that, most summer campers, encouraged by their camp mentors, consumed 62 percent more fruits and vegetables. So, summer camps help kids make healthier food and drink choices, while also accommodating children with food allergies along the way.
Summer Camp Offers Opportunities for Kids with Special Situations
From the children of deployed military family members to kids with special needs to children with chronic or terminal illnesses, summer camps offer special opportunities so every child can have an amazing and unforgettable summer camp experience.
Summer Camp Encourages Social, Physical, and Educational Activities
In a recent study by the National Summer Learning Association, the research shows children who attend summer camp don’t experience the degree of learning loss as non-camp participants. In addition to continued learning, camps help kids stay socially and physically active as well. Camps chosen to encourage new skills or increase existing abilities encourage learning and help skills and abilities improve. Summer camps also provide opportunities for kids to try new skills – music, cooking, sports, swimming, archery, art, and more – and discover new abilities in a fun and supportive environment.
During summer camp, kids learn to be self-confident and independent, as they make new friends among peers, counselors, and instructors. Kids will learn to communicate and work alongside kids from a variety of backgrounds. Plus, kids will learn responsibility during their time at camp as they attend activities and learn new skills.
Unplugging Technology
Unless a child is attending technology camp or another specialty camp where tech is required, most camps allow kids the opportunity to unplug, much like the camps of old. Over 75 percent of camps don’t allow electronic devices, encouraging children to enjoy the great outdoors, make new friends, and experience all the fun that camp has to offer. Lest you assume this means your kids won’t be able to communicate with those left at home, most campers actually enjoy writing letters and postcards to their loved ones.
Choosing a Summer Camp for Your Kids
When you are looking for a well-rounded camp experience which offers your child all the wonder of summer camp, you’ll want to first determine whether a day camp or sleep away camp is best for your child. In addition, you’ll want to explore when the camp’s enrollment begins, and what fits into your family’s budget and schedule. The camp’s safety protocols for campers and activities, as well as the staff to camper ratio are equally important. You’ll also want to ask the camp how they screen their staff, what qualifications they require, and if they have medical personnel on site. Also important in your camp selection, is how the camp handles special needs – whether dietary or other.
At Camp Live Oak, as an ACA accredited camp, we can answer all your questions and promise to provide a fun and safe learning environment for your children!