You know how it goes; everyone has those wild and unique stories about that “one time at camp.” In America, it’s practically a rite of passage to go away to summer camp and come back as an enlightened person.
But summer camp isn’t just all about fun. In fact, the programs are designed to promote growth in their participants, not let them run rampant without their parents.
Read on to find out all the benefits of teen summer camps.
They’ll Learn to Be More Responsible
Sure, they’ll have some fun times without you around, but the truth is, they’ll become much more responsible. Without parents around to nag them, your teen will have to perform daily tasks all on their own.
It may not seem like much, but they’ll have to brush their teeth, change into fresh clothes, eat healthy foods, and sleep enough to tackle each day efficiently.
They may enjoy getting away with not brushing their teeth on the first morning or wearing the same clothes two days in a row. But your teenager will quickly realize the consequences of those actions and shape up all on their own.
Teen summer camp will give your kids a glimpse of adult life so they’re better prepared for living by themselves.
They’ll Become More Confident
An overwhelming amount of teenagers struggle with confidence and self-esteem. This can lead to negative behaviors, such as smoking, cutting, and drinking. In fact, 75% of girls with low self-esteem will engage in these types of behaviors.
Not only will low confidence and self-esteem lead to bad behaviors, but it’ll also have a significant effect on your kids’ state of mind. These things and depression and/or anxiety usually go hand-in-hand.
Summer camps offer teenagers the opportunity to tackle all sorts of issues head-on. Whether it’s homesickness or an obstacle course, they’ll have to handle it all on their own, with little to no help from others.
When your teen realizes what they can accomplish if they set their mind to it, it can boost both their self-confidence and self-esteem. By recognizing their self-worth, this can set them on a positive path and help them avoid falling into unsavory habits and circles.
They’ll Learn to Get Along with Others
If your teenager is an only child, they may have grown up spoiled. They got their own room and toys, as well as full parental attention after all.
Even if your teenager has siblings, getting along with them is different from cohabiting or working with others. Summer camp offers them a chance to live in an environment totally different from home.
Not only do they have to share a room with one or more strangers, but they’ll also have to work together to accomplish group tasks. This gives your teen a chance to experience different personalities and explore how to accommodate them.
If they run into any conflicts, this also gives them the chance to work through them in constructive ways. The skills learned from diffusing these situations can prove invaluable later in life, such as at university or work.
They May Find New Hobbies
Teenagers spend around 9 hours a day online, so chances are, your teen is a phone zombie too. Going to summer camp gives them the chance to put away those devices and enjoy non-digital hobbies.
For example, summer camp offers activities like hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and sports. When they’re doing these things with their peers, it’s more likely they’ll take to it and want to do these things even when outside of camp.
Not only can this help your teens unglue themselves from digital screens, but it can also help them become more active. Considering there’s an obesity problem, this can be very beneficial in helping your teenager lead a healthier life.
They’ll Appreciate Their Family More
You may feel underappreciated for all the things you do for your teenager, such as cooking, doing the laundry, and picking up after them. Chances are, they take these things for granted.
But absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? Not only will they miss you, but your teen might also realize how much you do for them every day.
When they have to pick up after themselves and take on many responsibilities since you’re not there, they’ll see the scope of what parents have to do for their children. They’ll come home with a newfound appreciation for you and may even offer to take on some of those responsibilities themselves.
They’ll Make New Friends
Summer camp instills a sense of camaraderie; no matter where the kids are from and what their personalities are like, they’re sure to find at least one person they want to stick to at summer camp.
Since there are initially no pre-established cliques at camp, it gives every teenager a chance to start fresh and find like-minded friends. Once they’ve found their buddies, your teen will want to return every year. They’re sure to make friends for life!
Teen Summer Camps Are Great for Growth
After reading all about the benefits of teen summer camps, it should be clear now that it’s a must-have in your children’s lives. When they attend, they’ll get opportunities for growth they’d never have back at home.
While you may feel a little apprehensive about letting your teen out of your sight, keep in mind that they have to leave the nest sometime in the near future. Think of summer camp as a trial run and you’ll get peace of mind knowing they’re learning important life skills for their future.
Are you interested in learning more about teen summer camps? Then request some free information from us now. We’ll help you choose the right ones for your kids!
