Summer Camp is the ideal place for teens to develop the skills they need to be successful in life and learn to be leaders. There are many opportunities available at camp for teens to learn and practice the skills they will need as adults. The reality is that most teens are not getting these skills at school. The American Camp Association published a great article, by camp director, Anne Archer Yetsko, “ 7 reasons Why Your Middle Schooler Needs Camp.” Here is summary of the benefits of Camp and our top reasons teens today need Camp more then ever.
New Experiences and Develop Independence
Camp provides teens with the perfect balance of independence from their parents in a supported environment where they can get guidance from positive adults. Autonomy and a sense of independence is especially important for adolescent development. Camp provides teens with numerous opportunities to try new things, take safe risks, meet new people and have new experiences in a positive group setting. Teens at camp learn how to face new challenges, develop resilience, and gain confidence through doing things on their own at camp.
Opportunities for Friendships and Close Relationships
The group aspect of camp by design promotes opportunities for friendship making and forming close relationships. Camp is different than school for teens. Campers are encouraged to meet new people, branch out of their comfort zones, and form close bonds through group living and participation in shared experiences together. Kids unplug from technology at camp and are able to form authentic relationships with others. Here they learn how to get along with many different types of personalities and gain a respect for diversity through working with peers in their camp group. Friendship making and keeping are important skills campers can use their whole life.
Guidance from Positive Role Models
Camp counselors are positive adult role models who are there to mentor, guide and support campers. At camp, counselors help campers learn about themselves and grow in new ways. They are there to keep campers safe, offer advice and to be an adult that campers can talk to in different ways from a parent.
Learn Teamwork and Collaboration
Group living at camp helps campers develop their interpersonal and leadership skills by working with their peers through participating in daily group decision making. Campers learn how to problem solve through activities like coming up with a group name or voting on a code of living. In activities like these, suggestions are taken from every member and voted upon by everyone in the group. Campers learn important life lessons and how to positively communicate with others. A good leader is someone who always listens!
Real Life Leadership Experiences
There are so many leadership opportunities at camp including creating original skits or songs to perform at camp closing circle, planning group activities, organizing a food menu for a camp overnight, earning achievement awards, and mentoring younger campers. Many camps offer “Counselor in Training” (CIT) or “Camper-in-Leadership Training” (CILT). These leadership programs are specifically designed for older campers, they offer hands-on leadership opportunities where teens help younger age campers and assist counselors. Teens learn how to be counselors, get leadership experience as well as receive ongoing support and feedback from adult camp staff.
Future Employment Opportunities and Resume Building Experiences
Many camps hire successful participants to be on staff in the future. It is common for a camp’s best staff to be graduates from their leadership training program. The volunteering and work teens do at camp can count as community service hours for school and demonstrates leadership that can be a valuable addition to a teen’s resume or college application.
Great Leaders who got their Start at Camp
Many of camp alumni have gone on to do great things, and credit camp experience that helped them develop and become who they are today. Some have become well known leaders in business, politics, scientists, business, the arts, music performers, and sports athletes. Here are some Well Known Leaders who Went to Camp. Watch this video “Because of Camp” and hear what they have to say.
See what your future can be this summer and how it can start at camp!
