Dispelling The Camp Myths

There are many myths about Overnight Summer Camp that may dissuade some parents from sending their child. They think that the typical camp is way too expensive, too exclusive, or too time consuming. Despite these myths it is important to learn the advantages that summer camp may provide your child. Oh sure their is fun and new adventures but camp provides so much more. Before you put the road blocks up to camp ask yourself. What could my child learn at camp this summer?

However, these days there is no such thing as a typical camp. The more than 8,500 camps across the country offer something for every budget, interest, personal schedule, and ability.

Below are a few summer camp facts:

* Summer camp is affordable. While fees will vary, resident camps range from $15 to $120 per day and day camps generally range from $10 to $50 per day.

* A research project, conducted by the National Camp Evaluation Project, which studied the impact of camps on children with disabilities, reported that “campers made positive gains during camp in various areas (self-reliance, independence, communication, self-esteem, etc.) that carried over to home and community settings.” All of the camps used in the study are ACA accredited.

* Approximately 500,000 jobs are filled each summer by college students, teachers, doctors, nurses, food service directors, and may others who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of almost nine million children and youth.

* Today many summer camps are no longer out in nature but are held at a university or even at the local shopping mall. Regardless of the facility the benefits of summer camp can be felt.

The above facts may dispel some camp myths , bit the biggest myth is that summer camp is all about fun. The benefits to young people of a summer at camp have long been discussed and more recently evaluated. What are they? Simply put, they are opportunities. Opportunities not exclusive to camps but rather concentrated at camp, where under the direction, supervision, and influence of caring counselors, young adults can learn to become more independent, more confident, more self-aware, and more giving toward others. These are just some of the life lessons learned at camp says Stephen Wallace, M.S. Ed.

To learn more about Children’s Summer Campsvisit twww.SummerCampAdvice.com

Swift Nature Camp is a Summer Camp in Minnesota, for boys and girls 6-15. At SNC we blend traditional Overnight Summer Camp activities with a nature and Animal Summer Camp.

Tagged as: Advice, children's summer camp, family, kids, kids summer camp, Minnesota, Minnesota summer camp, outdoors, overnight summer camp, Parenting, recreation, school, summer camp, teens, travel