Just as we recognize and learn to accept this current world around us (anyone want to give up their cellphone?) we can, and should, remember a key element of physical and emotional well-being: moderation.
Moderation gives us the opportunity to sidestep overload, stress and lack of sleep — and those are just a few benefits. It gives our kids an opportunity to control the noise and control the demands on their time. It gives them permission to unplug. Unplugging from technology allows our kids to be the story, not text the story.
While fall, winter and spring are dictated by schools and schedules, the summer presents an opportunity to recharge, energize and moderate the hectic life the rest of the year demands. It’s a moment for interacting in real time, with real people, for real experiences.
Dr. Nicole M. Stern, a licensed psychologist in Washington, notes that “camp provides a cell-phone-free zone, meaning no social media, which is so freeing for these kids.”
We know that our kids live in a world that requires them to plug in maybe more than we would like. But, sleepaway summer camp presents that unique opportunity to change that part of their daily routine, even if only for a few weeks. It provides the opportunity to not only have fun, but also to unplug and experience new activities and adventures in a safe and welcoming environment. And there are additional benefits.
Camp brings our children closer to nature and encourages social and emotional development while encouraging independence, resiliency, empathy and adaptability. Alfred Adler, a noted philosopher and psychiatrist, stressed three things that are important to one’s emotional health and well-being: the need to feel connected; to contribute to something beyond the individual; and to feel capable. While he introduced these ideas more than 80 years ago, they are still true today.
Sleepaway camp addresses all of Adler’s concepts. Children need to establish relationships and connect with peers and counselors as they navigate their day. Building friendships, learning empathy and caring for others help to create a strong emotional core. Helping to clean the cabin, writing a camp song, paddling a canoe — all of these activities give kids a chance to contribute through teamwork and collaboration. Mastering the skill of archery or wall climbing through practice and perseverance, strengthens feelings of confidence and capability.
Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, a pediatric and adolescent psychotherapist and the co-author of “The Whole-Brain Child,” noted the very real physical effect of growing these social skills, “Bunks are good for brains … promoting independence, confidence, friendship-building, resilience, thriving, character, grit, etc. Experience changes brains … it’s like a muscle. When it’s used, it grows and strengthens.”
Other benefits from daily cabin activities include the development of fairness, exploration and curiosity while maximizing intellectual, moral and physical development. With ample opportunities for kids to be their best selves, camp life provides countless new experiences for fun, happy and healthy personal growth in a safe and encouraging environment with friends and caring counselors.
Sleepaway camp is not only an extraordinary gift, but also a life-changing experience. Children learn to persevere when challenged by unfamiliar experiences. They learn patience and confidence when connecting with others and the importance of working together for a positive shared experience. When exploring a camp program for your child, you should consider developmentally appropriate and nurturing environments that promote self-esteem, leadership, independence, conflict resolution and team building. Understanding the camp philosophy, leadership and culture is imperative in finding the right program for your child.
Stern explains, “Camp provides an opportunity for children to learn and to grow. For many children this allows them to try new things, voice new opinions and do things that they may never have been exposed to.”
Parents can help by choosing sleepaway camps that encourage children to experience new activities, form new relationships and integrate into camp life in a nurturing, safe and fun environment. The right sleepaway camp can be a wonderful life-changing event for children — a treasured experience that lasts forever.
Glenn Smith is owner and director of Camp Tall Timbers, an award-winning camp program located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in High View, West Virginia. He can be reached at [email protected].
