Camps: 6 Skills Kids Gain That Last a Lifetime

Activity By Lilo
Camps

Summer camps have long been cherished as magical experiences that create lifelong memories, friendships, and personal growth. 

Camps are more than just a break from school—they’re an adventure, a challenge, and a place where kids learn about themselves and the world around them. Beyond the bonfires, canoe trips, and talent shows, camps play a crucial role in shaping well-rounded, resilient, and socially adept individuals. Research underscores the deep and lasting impact of summer camp participation, showing that these immersive experiences help young people develop essential life skills, build confidence, and foster a sense of independence. 

1. Cultivating Independence and Responsibility

One of the hallmark benefits of summer camps is the cultivation of independence. Being away from home, often for the first time, campers learn to navigate daily routines, make decisions, and manage responsibilities without parental guidance. A study by Richmond, Sibthorp, and Wilson (2019) found that camp alumni attributed their development of independence and responsibility significantly to their camp experiences. These skills are not only vital during adolescence but also lay the foundation for successful transitions into adulthood.

2. Enhancing Social and Emotional Skills

Summer camps provide a unique social environment where children interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. This setting fosters the development of social awareness, empathy, and communication skills. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2019), participation in structured summer programs can lead to improvements in social-emotional development, including better interpersonal skills and increased self-esteem. These competencies are crucial for building healthy relationships and navigating social complexities in various life contexts.

3. Encouraging a Willingness to Try New Things

Exposure to new activities and challenges is a staple of the camp experience. Whether it’s attempting a high ropes course, engaging in creative arts, or learning survival skills, campers are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones. Research indicates that such experiences at camp are instrumental in developing a willingness to try new things, a trait that promotes adaptability and openness to new experiences later in life (Richmond et al., 2019).

4. Building Grit and Perseverance

Facing and overcoming challenges in a supportive camp environment teaches resilience. Activities designed to push personal limits help campers understand the value of perseverance and hard work. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2019) highlight that summer programs can positively influence children’s development by providing opportunities to build grit and determination through structured activities and goal-setting exercises.

5. Developing Appreciation for Diversity

Interacting with peers from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds at camp broadens campers’ perspectives and fosters an appreciation for diversity. Learning to live and collaborate with individuals who have different viewpoints and experiences enhances cultural competence and prepares youth for global citizenship. Richmond et al. (2019) emphasize that camp experiences significantly contribute to developing empathy and compassion, essential components of social harmony and understanding.

6. Promoting Physical and Mental Health

Engagement in physical activities and connection with nature are integral parts of many summer camps. These activities not only promote physical health but also have positive effects on mental well-being. A systematic review and meta-analysis by Eglitis et al. (2024) suggest that summer programs show trends toward improving mental, social, emotional, and cognitive outcomes in children and adolescents. Programs targeting disadvantaged children showed stronger patterns of improvement related to mental health and self-perception than programs targeting the general population.

Conclusion

The importance of summer camps extends far beyond recreation. They are instrumental in nurturing independence, social skills, resilience, and a host of other attributes that are essential for personal growth and success. As research continues to highlight these benefits, it becomes increasingly clear that summer camps are not just a seasonal pastime but a vital component of youth development.

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Sources:

  • National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). Shaping Summertime Experiences: Opportunities to Promote Healthy Development and Well-Being for Children and Youth. Retrieved from Link
  • Richmond, D., Sibthorp, J., & Wilson, C. (2019). Understanding the Role of Summer Camps in the Learning Landscape: An Exploratory Sequential Study. Journal of Youth Development, 14(3), 9-30. Retrieved from Link
  • Eglitis, E., Singh, B., Olds, T., Virgara, R., Machell, A., Richardson, M., Brannelly, K., Grant, A., Gray, J., Wilkinson, T., Rix, Z., Tomkinson, G. R., & Maher, C. (2024). Effect of Summer Holiday Programs on Children’s Mental Health and Well-Being: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21(1), 119. Retrieved from Link
  • Thurber, C. A., Scanlin, M. M., Scheuler, L., & Henderson, K. A. (2007). Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience: Evidence for Multidimensional Growth. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 36(3), 241-254. Retrieved from Link
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