
Camp allows children to take care of their basic needs and personal belongings. Each day, campers pick out their clothing, get themselves dressed, brush their teeth and hair, shower and put their personal belongings away. From 7:30am wake up to 9:30pm lights out, they are taking on responsibilities that make them feel capable. The tasks we often do for children at home are being done by them independently. These basic accomplishments often lead to taking on bigger responsibilities at camp as well as when they return home. We often hear parents say how much their child has matured over the summer in terms of taking care of their responsibilities at home.
Camp allows for making
choices. Campers decide what to
wear, what to eat, the friendships they develop and some camp electives they
want to participate in. Even with the
structure of the camp day, campers have the opportunity to make choices and
gain a sense of control over their environment.
Decision making creates self determination. This ability to express choices, identify
preferences and have a sense of independence about their own lives will build
their self-esteem and carry them through many life situations. With the
guidance and support of counselors, campers are still being empowered to make
healthy decisions.
Camp allows children
to make mistakes and learn from them.
As parents, it’s difficult to see our children struggle, so we often
come to “the rescue” too quickly and rob them of coming up with solutions on
their own. Allowing children to make
mistakes and come up with solutions allows them to learn, grow and trust in
themselves, all leading to greater independence. Being able to correct mistakes and come up
with a solution is a definite confidence booster.

Camp lets children
play, explore, and create. With so
many amazing activities and events being offered, camp helps children discover and
master new interests, all leading to a sense of competence and self confidence.
In
addition to the fabulous fine and performing arts programs already in place, we
have some incredible additions this summer – like “u-build-it”, wearable art,
and film making – that will allow campers to create and explore their
imagination. Creativity stretches the
mind, helps us learn and think, and gives us a sense of freedom – all leading
to greater independence.
So as you complete camp forms, pack up camp trunks and
prepare your child for their camp journey, know that you are giving your child
the gift of a summer filled with fun, friendship, discovery and an independence
that will take them through the years.
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