Children need nature; now more than ever. Our modern way of living has slowly disconnected kids from outside play and research is showing the very negative impacts that is having. According to Outdoor Play Canada outside free play is essential for healthy child development, with positive impacts on social skills, imagination, executive function, problem-solving ability, resiliency and more.
Summer camp is the ideal environment for a child to spend time outdoors while learning valuable personal and interpersonal skills. It’s where caring adults nurture children in an outdoor-based environment and help them grow their self-esteem, leadership, kindness, and cooperation.
“Any person who has attended camp can attest to the value of it,” says Jessica Miller Switzer, Executive Director of the Alberta Camping Association (ACA). “As a former camper myself, I have made sure to enroll my children so that they too can experience the fun and growth that comes from a camp experience.”
According to the Canadian Camping Association, there are positive life skills acquired while at camp. “Campers are encouraged to be co-operative, caring, tolerant and respectful – qualities which benefit them beyond camp. They also learn to become more independent and self-confident, they develop leadership skills and acquire an appreciation and respect for nature.”
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Benefits of attending summer camp include:
Physical
- Learn new skills such as archery, paddling, and climbing
- Increase in time spent in nature which can positively impact physical and mental health
- Decrease in time spent in front of screens
Social
- Make friendships that last a lifetime
- Learn leadership skills
- Improve communication skills
- Actively participate in a tight knit community
Mental
- Learn responsibility and resourcefulness
- Develop resilience
- Increase in self-esteem
Finding the Best Quality Camp
When it comes to choosing summer camps, parents can be confident in selecting a camp accredited by the Alberta Camping Association (ACA). This designation means that the camp delivers safe, high quality facilities and programming.
READ: Top Reasons to Choose an Accredited Camp
Look for the Logo!
Parents can know with a simple glance if a camp is operating at the highest quality caliber- they simply have to look for the logo!
The ACA Accredited logo means quality, safe, and healthy experiences are offered at the camp that displays it.
