What's Sleep Away Camp REALLY About
Today I got asked to answer these questions for an upcoming magazine article about camp--sharing my answers here, too! (BRING ON SUMMER!)
1. Sleep away camp is a great way for kids to meet friends and build independence - in addition, what is the BIG purpose behind sleep away camps?
Overnight camping started in the late 1800s as a movement to get kids out of the industrial/city environment and back to the fresh air of nature. In many ways the purpose is the same today—unplug and connect with each other, oneself, and nature, while building leadership, friendship, and confidence.
2. Why do parents and kids choose sleep away camp over local camps or why do they choose sleep away in general (some do both!)
Going to camp really is the best way to get out of your comfort zone and into the “challenge zone”—while being supported by enthusiastic role models (cool camp counselors) to try new things and celebrate achievements in a community where you belong. Parents, too, need camp—as a break from scheduling, cleaning, driving, etc, and can benefit from the taste of independence their camper gains from camp.
3. What are some of the main reasons you find that kids love sleep away camp? How have you seen kids grow/change from when they came to when they left?
Kids come for the first time for the exciting activities and love to return year after year for the friendship and acceptance. I have seen kids grow leaps and bounds in confidence, self-advocacy, leadership, self-awareness, curiosity, and so much more!
4. Name some challenges kids face in sleep away camp, and how have you seen them overcome them?
Most of the challenges come from having to navigate advocating for themselves. At home and at school they have their family and their teacher. At camp they have to quickly figure out how to find the trusted adult and let them know what problem they are having, from feeling a little homesick to getting annoyed with another camper, or simply not liking what’s served for dinner! This is a critical turning point in a kid’s life and so empowering—when they can learn to identify their needs and speak up for themselves and affect change on their own.
5. If you had to explain to a parent who is new to sleep away camps what they are and are REALLY about, what would you say? What other advice can you give to parents wanting to know more about sleep away camps?
Camp is youth development at its finest and camps are ready to partner with parents in this great adventure of raising empathetic, curious, kind kids!
Look for a camp that is accredited by the American Camp Association (standard of our industry) and run by professionals who are trained and up to date with best practices in the fields of child protection, youth development, teamwork, facilitation, mental health, inclusion, and social-emotional development.
