by Holly Russell

Created on: August 31, 2009

Cabin life, communal meals, team sports, and lots of fresh air and sunshine create the ideal environment for educational learning experiences. Oliver Wendell Holmes once said "a mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions." Learning of any kind is a stretching and growing process, and summer camps can provide a foundation for numerous learning experiences. I will discuss the different areas of potential growth below

INDEPENDENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY

A short period of time away from Mom and Dad can be valuable in establishing a sense of independence. Most parents raise their children with the goal of self-sufficient, independent adults in mind. Allowing them to be away from the nest in a controlled environment is a great starting point for independence. While they will not have to worry about many things, they will be responsible for caring for their clothes, getting to activities and meals on time, obeying the rules, and participating in chores and the general maintenance of camp.

Time away from you can also be used as measuring device your childs character. Many define character as how we behave when no one is looking. If you find that your child is in constant trouble when you are not there to monitor their every decision then it may mean that you need to work with them to develop a moral sense of right and wrong.

AUTHORITY

We all have a responsibility to submit to various authorities, and this gives you a chance to see how your child responds. While at camp they will be exposed to a number of different levels of authority from team captains to counselors, to the camp nurse and director. Beginning to navigate and understand the intricate web of authority that runs through every level of our society is a valuable experience and can help them to understand their place in the grand scheme. Making these adjustments in small steps can help keep rebellion towards authority to a minimum.

SOCIAL SKILLS

Most summer camps require that several children share the same living space, usually a cabin environment. By living in close quarters with others they will begin the life long process of relating to a whole range of people with different temperaments and personalities.

In addition they will be required to participate in team activities, and achieve chores and projects by working together. This gives them a chance to flex their social skills and begin creating their own social identity.

CREATIVITY

When our children are very small in

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>