Five Benefits of Summer Camp

Lindsay is a 22 year-old college senior about to graduate and embark on a career in marketing. Confident and ambitious, Lindsay credits much of her success to her summer camp experiences.

“I loved going to camp when I was young. There was always something fun to do and I made so many special friendships. Some of us still stay in touch. One of the best things about camp is that I was able to be myself and I made friends with people who would never have talked to me under normal circumstances. You know, the popular girls who always made the cheerleading squad; I learned they weren’t any different than I was.”

Experts agree kids need a comfortable and nurturing environment. Well-intentioned parents do their best to provide this at home. However, kids frequently feel stifled by being left out of cliques or being labeled at a young age. One of the best ways to overcome these labels – and the insecurity attached to them - is by having kids attend a summer camp where they can learn about their strengths, weaknesses, and much more.

Positive camp experiences can:

• Increase Self-Esteem – Children learn more about themselves, become more self-reliant and more confident in their own abilities. They learn to look after themselves as well as the younger campers. Taking on a responsibility, and meeting or exceeding expectations, helps children to feel good about themselves.

• Learn Respect for Others – Because of group living and team experiences, kids learn to work together for common goals and find their place within the team. New challenges and experiences teach kids to rely on each other and encourage one another. When members of a group accomplish their goals, each team member is rewarded and they respect each other for their hard work.

• Learn Respect for Self – Accomplishing a goal in a safe environment shows a child through doing that he or she can rely on themselves. It makes children feel good about themselves and they learn to believe in themselves.

• Teach Tolerance – Living in a group situation, campers learn to accept each others differences. Regardless of race, religion or beliefs, kids live together (with supervision) and discover that despite their differences, they really are all the same. Through these accepted differences, tolerance becomes a part of life, a much needed skill in today’s world.

• Encourage Kids to Be Themselves – A good camp affords a child a world where they are free from judgments. They are able to be exactly who they are without fear of ridicule. This allows kids the freedom to explore more new things, which in turn feeds the self-esteem cycle.

There are a wide variety of camps available. Some specialize in an activity or interest, such as equestrian, ice hockey, oceanography or drama. Others are general interest camps offering several activities with something for everyone. Now there are camps that specialize in kids with learning differences, ADHD, Asperger's, autism and other issues that once meant these children and teens were left out of fun summer camp experiences.

Before choosing a camp, check with your son or daughter to see which type of camp interests them. Some kids are ready for sleep away camp; others prefer a day camp. Talk with the camp directors to learn about their philosophies, expectations for campers and their staff to camper ratio. Visit The American Camp Association for more information, including a list of camps in your area. (www.acacamps.org)

When our children have good self-esteem, respect for themselves and others, and tolerate differences, we are making progress toward a better tomorrow.

To learn more about specialized summer camps for kids with ADHD, learning differences, Asperger's, or autism, please visit www.talismancamps.com

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