their parents for the summer. Regardless, staying in touch with your child is extremely important to both of you. Feldman explains how parents who continuously offer to rescue their child from camp under any non-emergent circumstances “are actually undermining the entire message you’re trying to send to your child and undermining the experience altogether.” Most camps allow for children and parents to communicate via letters in the mail (you remember… the old-fashioned way) and some even allow for electronic letters, but that often depends on the camp itself and its location. Writing letters is great for both parents and campers, as parents can continuously provide positive reinforcement to their children. Remind them that you believe in them, and they will have a great time, and they will succeed, as opposed to going on about how much you miss them and what the dog has been up to. The Importance of Communication When asked what kinds of activities children can look forward to at camp, Feldman immediately highlights one thing camps won’t be including in
their daily itinerary: screen time! While connecting with the outdoors is a huge component of summer camps, many camps focus on the social development of the child too. Children these days are accustomed to communicating through screens, using apps such as Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, to name a few. As a result, they may not feel as comfortable with face- to-face interactions. However, according to Feldman, this is actually the most common activity that they engage in. They often sit in bunks and have conversations as they drift off to sleep. They sit across the table from someone, discussing various topics, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company in a physical sense. This enables children to create their own community and establish their own rules. Summer sleepaway camps, like Camp Granite Lake and many others, offer a wide range of physical extracurricular activities suitable for athletes of all skill levels. From archery, hiking, and climbing to water sports like sailing, canoeing, and paddle boarding, there’s something for everyone. But if sports aren’t your child’s cup of tea, they can also indulge in arts and crafts, theater, dance, and even
ceramics. Nighttime activities are usually similar across the board too, including game nights, talent shows, and campfires. You might think your child is about to experience a summer filled with action, but don’t worry. According to Feldman, camps typically offer downtime and rest periods as well. So, if your child wants to curl up with a book or meditate with “This experience is truly transformative for the children,” Feldman asserts. At camp, kids acquire valuable life skills that may be challenging for parents to impart. No matter what, campers can expect to benefit from this experience, and they may even want to return next year! Believe in your children and help them see this experience through to the end. By prioritizing independence, camps teach campers decision-making skills, how to care for themselves and leave them feeling capable of achieving more than they thought possible. This is perhaps the most significant takeaway from the camp experience, whether it’s seven days, 20 days, or 30 days long. nature, they can do it all. Long-Term Benefits
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