Most schools don’t have the benefits of year-round school. They close during the summer months. To keep students from losing about two months of grade level equivalency in core subjects, summer camps stimulate learning and build personal growth.
Not only do students lose academic skills, they are at a high risk of gaining weight due to the lack of physical activity. Many summer camps exist for enhancing and applying learned skills. They curb aggression and students learn more about nature than during the regular school year. They provide plenty of physical activity for children and young adults. Most young adults, ages 10 to 16, spend less than 13 minutes a day in physical activity. They average about 10 hours per day motionless fueled by technology.
Statistics show that more than 11 million U.S. children attend camps. Students that attend gain many benefits.
• They have the opportunity for physical activity.
• They build self-confidence and self-esteem through non-competitive activities.
• Students gain resiliency through new experiences.
• Most of the time students are away from daily social networking.
• Students build upon life-long skills and grow their independence.
• Unstructured play is provided for the development of social skills.
• Many camps have students reconnect with nature.
Camps help students develop new interests in life. It teaches important leadership skills. This enables students to face new challenges in life. Children learn the value of hard work.
Faith Based Camps
Christian based summer schools provide positive experiences by
• awakening their faith,
• instilling moral values,
• appreciating and respecting the environment,
• bringing people together.
Non-religious and non-denominational
These types do not associate with a particular religious institution. But, ministry is available if wanted. They have both Christian and non-Christian activities.
Camp Invention
The National Inventors Hall of Fame created Camp Invention. It is the only nationally recognized summer camp that focuses on:
• creativity,
• innovation,
• real-world problem solving,
• and the spirit of invention.
Specialty Camps
There are many camps that address the strengths or interests in a particular area. These include activities for students with special needs. The American with Disabilities Act require all camps to accommodate students with special needs can attend.
Choosing the right summer camp is an individual family choice. They come in many forms. There are a variety of activities that meet individual interests. They serve a broad range of ages. The list is limitless. When choosing, do the research for what is best for the needs of your child. After all, learning should not stop during the summer months when school is closed.
