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Anyone who’s ever been to a summer camp can tell you that they’ve learned some important life lessons over their break. Summer camps provide many invaluable experiences for everyone involved, especially children. The sense of belonging that comes with summer camps is unlike any other experience you may have throughout your lifetime. It offers you a place where you can be yourself with a rare chance to be able to love without labels or even limits. The sense of community, recreation and exploration inspire children to thrive. It’s a transformative journey that yields many benefits for children that they use outside of camp. Consider these life-changing lessons that your children can learn by attending a summer camp.
- How and when to ask for help
This is one important lesson that a child will learn very early on, that there will be things that can’t be done alone. Summer camp teaches that asking for help is actually a sign of strength. It takes a lot for someone to recognise that you’re struggling with something. Also, to be able to see that someone else might be able to provide help by putting their own perspective is a skill everyone should possess. It’s important not to struggle with certain things by yourself when there are plenty of people able and willing to help you. The child also learns how to figure out tasks which can be done without help.
- It’s important to smile
When camping, making someone’s day is as easy as giving them a big smile. It could be a signal to start a conversation or at someone passing by. It can be to the staff members, a counsellor or a fellow camper who may be struggling with a particular activity or is homesick. Remember that a smile goes a long way in every aspect of your life. When we smile, we make everyone around us feel more comfortable and approachable.
- Working as a part of a team
At summer camp, children are thrown together with a group of strangers. They must figure out a way to work with them to make things easier for everyone involved. There will obviously be people they may not see eye-to-eye with and even people they may not like. They’ll need to come together and form a strong team. Your child will learn to recognise the strengths and weaknesses of others and help those who may be struggling.
- Interacting with fellow campers
Children will have to work in a team with kids with all sorts of different backgrounds while at the camp. It may come as quite a culture shock having to mix with so many people. However, it’s important for them to understand that not everyone has the same beliefs and opinions about things. It helps them realize that there are many things that they yet to experience in life.
Summer camp is a place for children to take a step back from everyday routine and discover themselves. A camping experience provides a journey to all towards self-discovery.