When the summer time checks in, it is the same ritual, picnics and camps. This is sometimes the hardest yet the best time for kids who go camping on their own, especially if it is their first time. It may be challenging out there, but they get exposure to new experience that not only offers them the fun but also imparts life skills, encouragement and many other important aspects which they need in life.

More than other summer activities, a sleep away summer camp experience endows children with valuable life skills, provides positive adult role models, supports them with consistent encouragement,and all within the kind of well-rounded wholesome environment all too rarely found these days.

These are lasting benefits that can really make a difference in a child’s life as she becomes an adult.  It’s pretty clear; with that kind of benefit, camp is definitely worth it.

One clear, obvious benefit to camp is the fun and concrete skills kids gain from the wide range of camp activities available.  By trying everything at camp, girls learn how to be an archer, a swimmer, a knitter, a tennis player, an actor, and a horseback rider, to name just a few.  They learn to do things, exciting new things that can easily turn into life-long pursuits.

Sourced From: http://www.rockbrookcamp.com/blog/camp-benefits/

Camping is essential for young kids who are growing and need to explore new adventures in life. They need an opportunity at a camp, where they can advance their personal, physical and social skills through interaction and team working with others.

Personal

“At camp, children learn they have the capability to do things on their own,” Fine says. Kids at residential camp are responsible for their own space and know that others depend on them to carry out certain duties. “This type of experience starts to change a child’s whole self-concept and their sense of who they are and what they can do.”

Social

Campers come together from different parts of the city, the province, the country or even the world to be part of a supportive community. “At camp you work as a team. It builds social capital. It teaches you how to be a good citizen. Camp teaches you how to be successful in life.”

Physical

Whatever physical activity campers are participating in—swimming, horseback riding, rock climbing or hiking—developing strength and setting and accomplishing physical challenges builds a great deal of confidence, Fine says. “This self-confidence transfers to other areas of a child’s life.”

Sourced From: http://www.ourkids.net/camp/learning-benefits-of-summer-camp.php

It is obvious to be a bit nervous when the kids are away from home, on their own. This is a hard time which haunts many parents when kids go for a sleep away camp. However, parents are advised to let the children learn to face the reality of life on their own at such occasions. This is usually an opportunity for the kids to learn the art of independence, a basic necessity they will need in life.

Don’t panic.

When are kids are out of our sight, it’s hard to really gauge the urgency of their complaints and micro-dramas. Use your best judgment, of course, but try not to be too tempted by that panic instinct to rush out to camp for an early pickup.

Don’t obsess.

Sending kids to sleepaway camp is one of many bittersweet milestones of parenthood: We’re happy to see them gaining independence, but it’s hard to let them go. Save yourself epic emotional discomfort by stepping away from the computer. It may be hard to do if your kid’s camp posts tons of photos online, but remember that what looks like incontrovertible photographic proof of your kid’s experience can be misleading. Don’t freak out if your child looks sad or is missing from a batch of online photos.

Understand they need time to adjust.

If your kid skips off happily into camp the very first minute — terrific. But don’t count on it. Even a rocky start can lead to a beautiful experience.

“One of the worst things you can do for your first-time camper is say to them, ‘If you don’t like it, have them call me and I’ll come get you.’ Saying that can sabotage your camper’s stay,” former camp counselor Megan Hayes Hardy writes on our Facebook page. “It can take a day or two for your camper to adjust, but if they know you are a phone call away, they will focus on that instead of adapting to camp life. Also, chances are the first letter you receive from them may say they hate it at camp, but by the time that letter reaches you, they love it!”

Sourced From: http://www.today.com/parents/7-things-i-wish-i-knew-sending-kids-sleepaway-camp-1D79860709