Why Summer Camp is Beneficial

For many parents, a good summer camp is a place for their child to spend their free time during the summer holidays. However, there are many other reasons why summer camp is good for your child. Discover why summer camp is beneficial for children.

Time spent outdoors being physically active

This is perhaps the most common reason parents enroll their children in summer camp. Whether it’s an overnight camp where children hike, canoe, or swim, or a day camp where children take field trips locally and draw outdoors, your child will be sure to reap the benefits of increased physical activity and fresh air.

Active play

Children learn through play and hands-on experiences. At summer camp, they will get a chance to dig, splash, run, climb, jump, sing, dance, and play pretend. Under the care of camp staff, your child will have an opportunity to problem solve, learn social skills, practice empathy, and be creative through active play.

Teamwork and tolerance

At summer camp, your child will meet other children from diverse backgrounds. They’ll sing together, play together, and work on projects together. Summer camp is an ideal place for children to develop their social skills and learn more about others. According to Troy Glover, director of the University of Waterloo’s Healthy Communities Research Network, summer camp “develops emotional intelligence in children by making them more empathetic.”

Increased self-esteem

According to Michael Popkin, Ph.D., "The building blocks of self-esteem are belonging, learning, and contributing. Camps offer unique opportunities for children to succeed in these three vital areas." Outside of home and school, summer camp gives children a third opportunity to experience new things and make friends. This will help to strengthen their confidence and self-esteem.

Greater resiliency

Many summer camps offer activities and experiences that may not be part of your child’s everyday life. Whether it’s performing onstage, swimming in a lake, learning a new language, or spending the day sightseeing, summer camps are a secure environment where every child is treated equally and fairly. Staff members will show your child that it’s okay to fail, and give them encouragement to try again. Your child will take risks and face challenges, further increasing their independence and resiliency.

Summer camp is a secure, supportive, and non-competitive environment for your child. At KLA Schools Summer Camp, your child will spend time outdoors, build upon skills in active play, learn teamwork and tolerance, and increase their self-esteem and resiliency.