Why Summer Camps Matter: Building a Foundation for Growth and Development
With the beginning of the new year, many of us reflect on ways to grow, learn, and improve. While resolutions often focus on immediate goals, one decision can lay a long-term foundation for your child’s growth and development: summer camp. Backed by research, summer camps provide unique opportunities for children to develop skills, foster friendships, and grow emotionally, mentally, and socially in ways that set the stage for lifelong success.
A Place to Grow
The American Camp Association’s (ACA) National Camp Impact Study highlights that summer camps are more than just a fun way to spend a few weeks—they are transformative experiences. The study found that camps foster critical life skills such as independence, problem-solving, and resilience. These skills are cultivated in an environment where children step out of their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and learn to navigate situations independently.
Similarly, research from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley emphasizes the role of experiential learning in child development. Camps provide hands-on experiences where children learn by doing, whether it’s working as part of a team to solve a scavenger hunt clue, building a shelter in a survival skills class, or learning how to paddle a canoe. These experiences teach perseverance and adaptability in ways that traditional classroom settings often cannot.
The Gift of Friendship and Community
Summer camps are also a breeding ground for social growth. The ACA’s findings show that camp environments foster a sense of belonging and community, helping children develop empathy and social skills. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, the face-to-face interactions at camp encourage kids to form deep, meaningful connections with peers from diverse backgrounds.
These connections often lead to lifelong friendships and create a support system that extends far beyond the campgrounds. For many children, camp becomes a second home where they feel valued, understood, and supported.
A Safe Space for Personal Growth
Camps provide a safe and structured environment for kids to take risks, make mistakes, and grow from them. Whether it’s trying out for a talent show, climbing to the top of a rock wall, or leading a group project, camps encourage kids to push past fear and build confidence. These small victories accumulate, reinforcing a positive self-image and a can-do attitude that stays with them long after camp ends.
Tying It All Together: A Resolution for Growth
As you plan your family’s year ahead, consider how summer camp can align with your New Year’s resolutions for your child. Want them to grow more confident? Build better social skills? Learn resilience and independence? Camp can be the answer whether it is Mountain Camp Woodside or another accredited camp. It’s not just a fun experience—it’s an investment in your child’s future.
As we step into this new year with optimism and ambition, now is the perfect time to look ahead and secure a spot at camp. (Right now, is when we have our lowest “winter rates” and plenty of availability.) Give your child the chance to thrive, grow, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Because when it comes to personal development, there’s no better resolution than giving them the tools to shine.
