As the school year ends, many families shift into summer camp mode. But summer camp isn’t just a fun escape from the classroom; it offers lasting benefits for both kids and parents. Keep reading to find out more!
According to the American Camp Association, the first official summer camp was held in 1861. The Gunnery Camp is considered the first organized American camp. Frederick W. Gunn took students for a two week trip where they spent their time boating, fishing, and trapping. The trip was so successful, the Gunns continued the tradition for fifteen years.
Fast-forward to to the present, and research data, per the American Camp Association, shows that camps welcomed 26 million campers in 2024. That number continues to rise due to the popularity of camp.
“Camp is also a microcosm of our real world,” he writes Davon Loeb in an article for Parents.com. “The skills campers and counselors employ every day at camp, like problem management or ‘peer relationship skills,’ are the exact same skills our schools and workforces are requiring.”
Camps are responding to the demand in popularity by expanding their offerings. Adventure activities, STEM, gardening, wellness, and cultural enrichment are now standard features for campers to enjoy.
“Camps give kids the opportunity to try something new that they might not have the time or resources to do during the busy school year,” Loeb notes in his article. However, it’s not just the campers who benefit. For many adults, camp offers some surprising benefits.
A break from the norm
Camp can give parents a break that they didn’t realize that they needed. Whether they are sending their kids to day camp or a sleepaway camp, they will get a few minutes to simply just relax and release without the kids.
Continued summer income for educators
Summer camps can be a continued source of income for educators and school nurses. This is a great way to get some extra income over the break.
Improve family dynamics
Time apart can help reset relationships. Kids return home with new experiences, maturity, and appreciation for their home life, often improving family interactions.
Reliable childcare during summer break
Many parents have to still work while their children are off for the summer. Camps provide structured, supervised environments, giving working parents peace of mind and helping to bridge the childcare gap during school vacations.
Summer camp offers more than just fun, it nurtures kids’ independence, social skills, and personal growth while giving parents a much-needed break and peace of mind. In our eyes, that’s a win-win for everyone!
