Summer Camp Increases Self-Esteem
Summer Camp Increases Self-Esteem
By Genie Fletcher
Parents are often surprised by how much their kids have changed when they come home at the end of the season. This is because quality summer camps push kids outside of their comfort zones. They fill their schedules with fun, wholesome activities that promote a positive mindset. In addition to a sudden affinity for tie-dye, you can expect your kid to come home with increased self-esteem. These changes will influence their success at home, school and in their athletic endeavors.
Connect with Positive Peer Groups
When your son or daughter leaves home for camp, you may feel like they are leaving their family behind for a few weeks. They are, however, entering a new family filled with camp friends and counselors. Everyone enjoys promoting a positive mindset within their group. They encourage their cabin mates to sign up for that wakeboarding class. They cheer when friends conquer the climbing wall. And they learn to build each other up through positive reinforcement.
Take on New Challenges
Summer camp is full of opportunities for kids to take safe risks. The best part is that most of them are disguised as fun. Kids never really think about them as challenging until they are looking back with pride on their accomplishments. For instance, finishing a white-water rafting trip fills kids with confidence. And realizing how hard they worked to reach the end instantly gives them a boost of self-esteem. Meeting new challenges helps kids realize that anything is possible when they reach for their dreams.
Embrace the Joys of Independence
Homesickness is a common concern to parents when their kids first go to camp. Although the first few days are a big adjustment, kids quickly fall into the camping routine. They find friends who help them discover the benefits of being independent. Helping to keep their cabin clean is a good place to start. It helps them progress into leadership roles. Assisting younger campers allows kids to find safe ways to feel good about their ability to do some things on their own. Summer camps offer new adventures every year. Each age level is increasingly challenging. Overnight trips and bicycling through new terrain allows even the oldest campers to continue developing their independence
Get A Break from Technology
The internet has brought tremendous benefits for kids. They can go online to chat with their friends. They can finish research projects for school. However, too much time online can sometimes wreak havoc on a child’s self-esteem. Social media can sometimes make it seem as if everyone is having a better time than them. At camp, kids have no doubt that they are having the time of their life. Discovering all the things they can do rebuilds the damage that online images may have done to their self-esteem.
It is important to encourage your kids to step out of their comfortable lifestyle. They learn to push themselves to see what their minds and bodies can do. Spending a summer enjoying amazing adventures with new friends help kids deepen their self-understanding.
Canadian Adventure Camp is a North Ontario coed sleepover summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the wilderness lakes region of Temagami. Founded in 1975, it provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world! Visit site: http://www.canadianadventurecamp.com/campers/summer-camp-program/
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