There are 3 weeks left of the summer before my son starts high school. I’ve been in a blur of packing, unpacking, doing laundry and repacking. My 14 year old son has been to 3 overnight camps since June 27th!
I wasn’t so fortunate. I grew up in a single parent home where my mother could not afford to send me away overnight. I’m grateful that my husband and I are in a position to do differently for our son.
He’s spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica at a community service oriented camp for teens. He’s gone to a local camp about an hour from home. His last camp was in Dallas, which was sponsored by my husband’s fraternity- Kappa Alpha Psi.
Every year we try to find opportunities and experiences which are enriching & fun that foster independence, empathy and social connection.
My friends often ask why we send him away so often in the summer. My response is “Why not?!” Sitting at home numbing out on video games or TV is not an option for him. There are numerous benefits in sending young teens away for overnight camps.
Teens can:
- Develop Independence and Self-Confidence: Overnight camps are an excellent way for teens to learn how to be independent and self-sufficient. They will have to make decisions and solve problems on their own, which can help build their self-confidence.
- Build Social Skills: Overnight camps provide teens with opportunities to meet new people and make new friends. They learn how to interact with others, cooperate with teammates, and work towards common goals, which can help build their social skills.
- Enhance Physical Health: Many overnight camps offer a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, and sports. These physical activities help teens stay active and healthy, which is essential for their growth and development.
- Learn New Skills: Overnight camps offer a wide range of activities such as arts and crafts, music, and outdoor adventures. These activities provide teens with opportunities to learn new skills and develop and explore their interests.
- Unplug from Technology: In today’s world, teens are often glued to their screens. Overnight camps provide a break from technology and help teens appreciate the beauty of nature and the joy of face-to-face interaction.
Overall, overnight camps provide an excellent opportunity for teens to learn, grow, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment. I’m aware that sending your child away for an overnight camp may not be an option for you. However, day camps & local community centers are equally as valuable for teens and children to develop themselves over the summer.
With school being right around the corner, the next few weeks will be spent at home relaxing and getting ready for high school. What summer activities did you enjoy the most when you were growing up?
Share your comments below.