Camp is more Essential than Ever

One thing most parents agree on is that kids have missed out on important growth opportunities over the past several years. With the most acute stage of the pandemic behind us, the time has come to fill in some of those gaps. One way to accomplish this is to send your kids to summer camp. 

Some of the social-emotional benefits of summer camp include regaining a sense of social connectedness, trying new activities, improving self-confidence, discovering better communication skills, and making new friends. At many camps, kids also experience a boost in physical health. Below, we take a deep dive into the reasons why summer camp is more essential than ever.

Social Connectedness
When social isolation was initially recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19, most of us didn’t understand how deeply this behavior would impact today’s youth. 

“Over the last couple of years, we have noticed that children tend to have a harder time interacting and relating socially to others, engaging in abstract thinking, and coping with stress,” says Robyn Higgins, education and tours manager at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “We have seen this manifest in a variety of ways during camp as children have begun to relearn and practice some of these skills. For instance, children may have a harder time adapting when a planned activity changes, or it may take them longer to connect with other campers.” 

At summer camp, children are able to regain a sense of interconnectedness with their surrounding communities as they practice face-to-face communication skills, meet new people, develop friendships, and bond over common interests and activities. 

Growth Mindset
When it comes to post-pandemic kids, the inability to experience life with a growth mindset is another area of concern. Children who possess a growth mindset understand that skills and abilities can be improved with sufficient time and effort. Those lacking this approach often lack the self-confidence required to move past life’s inevitable failures and tackle new challenges. Summer camp can help kids expand their mindset.

“At camp, we see the power in meeting and working with new friends,” says Elle Muse, recreation supervisor of Seaside Day Camps in Encinitas. “Whether it is that small bit of competition or encouragement from those around you, these interactions help children get out of their own heads and work through new experiences to create self-confidence.” 

Want to learn more about growth mindset? Read our article, “How and Why to Develop Growth Mindset in Kids.” 

Opportunities to Try New Things
“Opportunities to try new things is one of the most valuable benefits of summer camp and has the greatest impact on children who are returning to camp after the pandemic,” says Muse. She explains that camp inherently creates a new environment and experience, placing children outside their comfort zone.

Depending on which camp you choose, new opportunities may involve physical activities like hiking, rock climbing, archery or horseback riding; alternatively, kids may be exposed to more cerebral activities such as using unfamiliar materials for art projects, experimenting with STEM concepts and learning new campfire songs. 

To be clear, placing kids outside of their comfort zone is rarely a bad thing when it’s in a safe environment. Kids can develop new skills, discover new passions, enjoy independence and adventure, and experience boosts in self-confidence and self-esteem.

Independence
For any parents out there with helicopter tendencies, the pandemic may have sharpened those well-intentioned (but often harmful) instincts to swoop in and over-manage their child’s life. If this sounds familiar, it’s not too late to correct it. Rest assured that summer camp can provide a safe and separate space for kids to learn how to think independently, make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes. 

“Summer camp encourages children to engage in discovery, exploration and problem-solving, ultimately supporting their holistic growth and development as they navigate the world,” says Higgins. 

To further foster your child’s independence, be sure to allow their participation when choosing summer camp programs.

Physical Activity
With kids spending more time than ever indoors and on screens, it’s no surprise that there is a childhood obesity epidemic. According to the CDC, obesity now affects about one in five kids—and things aren’t heading in the right direction. 

Summer camp can help kids achieve or maintain a healthy weight, along with developing greater physical stamina and endurance, through fun activities like hiking, swimming and outdoor games. If your child plays (or wants to play) year-round sports, programs focused on building sport-specific skills may be a particularly good fit. 

Keep in mind that not only can camp boost physical fitness, it also leads to improvements in mental health and well-being. As Muse so aptly observes, “Camp is the place where building new friendships and learning emotional intelligence is disguised by fun.” 

To find a summer camp near you, visit www.sandiegofamily.com/resources/summer-camps-and-programs

Lisa Pawlak is an award-winning contributing writer living in Encinitas with her family.

____________

2024 Summer Camps & Programs

2024 Summer Camps & Programs

It's time to Fire Up for Camp season! Browse through your San Diego Summer Camps and Programs Guide to find awesome experiences where kids will learn new skills and make lifelong memories. Do you ha . . .

Read more

Countdown to Camp!

Countdown to Camp!

Activities that prepare kids for summer fun This year’s camp season promises to be bigger and better than ever! Parents, take advantage of summer break to send the kids to camp—it’s a unique . . .

Read more

Is Your Preschooler Ready for Day Camp?

Is Your Preschooler Ready for Day Camp?

There’s so much to love about summer camp: fun traditions, new friendships, the great outdoors, art, athletics and much more. Even the littlest campers can expect a positive experience. According . . .

Read more

10 Tips to Find the Right Day Camp

10 Tips to Find the Right Day Camp

Summer day camp is a place where children can learn new skills, acquire new interests and make new friends. But there is no one-size-fits-all camp. To find the right day camp for your child, conside . . .

Read more

So Many Camp Options: Which summer camps are best for kids?

So Many Camp Options: Which summer camps are best for kids?

Mom, my friends go to summer camp every year and have so much fun! Can I please go? Kids hear about fun camp activities from friends or how they met so many people, and they want to have the same . . .

Read more

Camp is More Essential than Ever 

Camp is More Essential than Ever 

One thing most parents agree on is that kids have missed out on important growth opportunities over the past several years. With the most acute stage of the pandemic behind us, the time has come to . . .

Read more

Junior Lifeguard Programs

Junior Lifeguard Programs

Have Fun this Summer with San Diego Junior Lifeguards Every summer thousands of kids in Junior Lifeguard uniforms gather at San Diego County beaches for a fun-filled, formative experience. Whether sw . . .

Read more

Top Five Reasons Kids Should Go to Camp

Top Five Reasons Kids Should Go to Camp

Summer camp can be one of the most rewarding, unforgettable experiences in a child’s life. Camp provides children with a community of caring mentors who provide experiential education that leads t . . .

Read more

How Not to Worry When Your Kid Goes to Camp

How Not to Worry When Your Kid Goes to Camp

If your kids are going to camp this spring or summer, you may be wrestling with worries and what-ifs. What if the other kids are cliquish or mean? Will the camp director call me if she’s miserable . . .

Read more

Is My 5-Year-Old Too Young for Full-Day Camp?

Is My 5-Year-Old Too Young for Full-Day Camp?

Wondering if your child is ready for full-day camp? See what preschool director Ms. Lydia has to say. Do you have a question about kids ages 2–6? See below for how to submit to "Ask Ms. Lydia." D . . .

Read more

Fun Ideas for Summer Camp Care Packages

Fun Ideas for Summer Camp Care Packages

Here are some fun ideas for summer camp care packages! Camp care packages do not need to be big. It is better to keep the summer camp care item simple—a card, a little love note, or a small box o . . .

Read more

5 Camp Strategies Parents Can Use to Help Kids Thrive

5 Camp Strategies Parents Can Use to Help Kids Thrive

Ask kids why they love camp, and you’ll often hear, “Because it’s FUN!” For many families, camp is an experience where kids have a great time doing things they don’t usually get to do. But . . .

Read more

12 Ways to Make Summer Learning Fun

12 Ways to Make Summer Learning Fun

Help your child retain reading, writing and math skills this summer without making it feel like work.  Incorporate learning into daily errands and interactive activities found in your own backy . . .

Read more

8 Free Camps for Kids Facing Adversity

8 Free Camps for Kids Facing Adversity

Millions of kids nationwide face adversities such as a parent having cancer, death of a loved one, their own cancer diagnosis or family substance abuse. Many organizations offer a reprieve for local . . .

Read more

Summer Camps for All Abilities

Summer Camps for All Abilities

  The abundant benefits of summer camp are for everyone, so if you have children, teens or young adults with developmental disabilities, a chronic medical condition or unique needs, don’t let . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe