For many children, summer camp is their first time away from home. And while kids aren’t under the supervision of their parents, they have a great chance to develop important life skills and social skills all on their own. At camp, children will learn to socially interact through team building activities, sports, and more. So for a child that may be lacking self-confidence, consider sending them to a sleepaway camp.
Benefits of Sleepaway Camps
Summer camp is a great way for your child to meet new people. It can certainly be a difficult adjustment at first. But, living with strangers will quickly teach them how to get along with people.
Your child will also inherently learn how to listen and when to speak up. If your kid tends to interrupt you, summer camp will teach them when it’s their turn to talk. Whether it’s listening to a camp counselor give directions or listening to a bunkmate share a story, they’ll quickly develop a feel for when it’s their turn to jump in and when it’s not.
Most activities at sleepaway camps involve groups or partners. And whether it’s tackling a ropes course or reading a map, your child will quickly learn how to work with others their age. Activities of this nature require your child to communicate effectively and to also understand when to take a leadership role and when to remain a follower.
They’ll also develop a sense of empathy for others. If your child sees another kid left out of an activity, summer camp gives them a chance to invite them in. Or, if a child falls on the playground or while playing a sport, your child will have the opportunity to empathize with them and help them back up. It’s a great way to begin the building blocks for emotional intelligence.
Being surrounded by total strangers, your child is likely to have some curiosity about all of the new people around them. And, that’s a good thing! The environment at sleepaway camp naturally lends itself to opening up conversations. Your child will surely have questions about their bunkmates and their interests. And, they’ll be encouraged to voice those questions at camp.