10 Benefits of Summer Camp
There are countless benefits of summer camp — it is truly a life changing experience for kids! If you’ve been thinking about sending your kids to camp this year, we’ve partnered with Camp Huawni to share some of the positive skills they’ll learn!
10 Reasons Why Summer Camp is Good for Kids
Summer camp was a rite of passage for my parents and their siblings. I’ve heard so many stories about their camp days and I always wished I could have gone to camp too!
I didn’t have the opportunity to go to a summer camp growing up, so when Camp Huawni asked if my daughter would be interested, I jumped at the chance to give her this experience. And of course she was super excited too!
If you’ve been thinking about sending your kids to summer camp this year, here are ten reasons why you should totally go for it!
1. The Experience Builds Independence
For many kids, summer camp is their first experience living “on their own” away from their parents. Of course there is supervision, but this is still big step for kids!
Being away from their usual routine allows kids to discover their own initiative, as well as develop time management and practical life skills. Camp can help kids grow into their selves and discover true purpose.
2. Camp Creates Confidence
A few years ago our family went on a trip to my home state of West Virginia and stayed near the New River Gorge. One of the activities we did was a forest climbing/ropes course. It was surprisingly difficult and at one point our daughter got stuck.
Instead of waiting for one of the crew members to come rescue her, our then 9-year-old pulled herself all the way up to the next obstacle. It was a huge boost to her confidence and after that she flew through the course. Actually, it was inspiring to ALL of us!
Now imagine an entire week (or two) of experiences like this! Kids are bombarded with tough stuff every day, but at camp it’s a clean slate and an opportunity to break through barriers!
Camp is an opportunity for growth like no other!
3. Kids Get to Try Things They Can’t Do Anywhere Else
Summer camp provides kids with opportunities and activities that kids might not otherwise have a chance to try. For example, Camp Huawni has an amazing ropes course and zipline, which are definitely things we don’t have in our backyard!
4. It’s a Way to Meet New People
During the past year, our kids have been staying closer to home. The camp experience allows them to meet kids from other states and even other countries! It’s a great way to broaden their worldview.
I love that Camp Huawni has taken great care to make things as safe as possible for kids so that they can enjoy the experience no matter what is going on in the outside world! (Click here to read their Health & Safety Preparedness Plan).
5. Camp Friends Become Family
“I have lifelong friends I made there over 25 years ago.”
Camp friends aren’t just for camp! These are lifelong friendships that carry over when kids go home…and for years to come!
When I read the reviews for Camp Huawni, I was honestly blown away by how positive they were. One thing that was mentioned time and time again from previous campers and parents is the sense of family.
“You become part of the family and that lasts a lifetime.” — I want my kids to be a part of THAT!
6. Teamwork is a Priority
Teamwork is an invaluable skill that kids will use for the rest of their life, whether it be class projects at school or later down the road in workplace.
Camp is a community — kids don’t go through the experience alone, but as a team, or a family rather! Kids learn how to work together to reach goals through group activities and just being together away from home.
7. It’s Great Exercise
There’s no sitting around at camp…not when there are so many fun things to do!
Whether it’s swimming in the lake or hiking through the woods, kids are always moving! Not only is all this physical activity good for building a healthy body, it’s so important for the mind and spirit too!
8. Kids Become Closer to Nature
Kids today spend about half as much time playing outside as did previous generations. (source) At camp it’s all about outdoor time and a much needed break from phones, computers, and video games.
This experience is a chance to enjoy nature up close and in ways that might not otherwise be possible, especially for kids who live in cities or suburbs.
9. Campers Learn to Be Leaders
When campers return home, the skills they learned in camp carry over into their day-to-day lives. That confidence, the leadership, it all will help them lead in their own schools and communities. That kind of growth is priceless!
10. It’s Fun!
Perhaps the most important reason of all…camp is FUN! The smiles say it all!
Why Camp Huawni?
Camp Huawni is a traditional, overnight summer camp for boys and girls from 1st – 11th grade. Located deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas, campers get unplugged and get outdoors, participating in “throwback” activities, such as archery, hiking, and cane pole fishing.
As parent it can feel a little scary to send your kid away from home. Knowing that Camp Huawni has a 3:1 camper-to-staffer ratio helped me feel confident that my daughter would be in good hands. It’s a smaller camp, so everyone knows each other and looks out for each other.
Another thing that helps put my mind at ease is Camp Huawni’s commitment to safety. They are accredited by the American Camp Association and partner with MinistrySafe to create a safe and welcoming environment for all campers.
Camp Huawni’s goal is that every camper goes home with growth in self-confidence and responsibility, as well as a sense of caring for others.
Stay tuned for our update at the end of the summer!
Click here to learn more about Camp Huawni, check out their summer 2021 schedule, and enroll today!
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