As summer approaches and kids will be on school vacation, parents wonder what to do to keep them active and safe. There are a few options, depending on the age of the kids. You can hire a babysitter or put your kids in daycare. Perhaps you can send them to their grandparents for a week or two. There is a perfect solution for your dilemma, and it’s summer day camp.
Benefits Of Summer Day Camp
While at camp, your kids will be building new friendships, learning challenging skills, developing coping strategies, and having fun. Kids learn to work individually and in groups. Swimming, kayaking, and other watersports teach safety and build physical stamina, and resilience. Many day camps also offer horseback riding, and it’s very popular with the kids. Hiking, rope climbing, crafts, and other activities make the day go by quickly. Kids learn to be responsible and how to care for the animals. Many get quite attached to the horses and love grooming and feeding them. Your kids will spend most of the day outside unless weather dictates otherwise. They will learn to take responsibility for daily tasks, get to activities on time, show respect for fellow campers, and follow the instructions of their counselors. Psychology Today says learning silly camp songs gives kids a sense of identity with fellow campers and common shared roots.
Packing For Camp Each Day
Each camp has different requirements for their campers, and you will be given camp policies and procedures to read. There are some items kids will need at every camp including sunscreen, bug repellent, swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, and rain gear. All items brought to the camp should have your child’s name on them because many kids will bring the same brand of sunscreen, and there should be a way to identify it. Children should be dressed for safety and the weather. Parents can use their weather app for android to determine just what clothing to pack each day. Flip flops can be dangerous for kids running around a campground. Always have your child wear sturdy tennis shoes to protect their feet. Don’t send cell phones, games, and tablets to camp. Kids are there to explore and learn about nature. They get enough electronics at home.
Social Benefits Of Day Camp
Making new friends is something kids love to do. Camp gives them the opportunity to meet kids that don’t go to their school. Counselors become like older brothers and sisters guiding them through the camp involvement, teaching them skills, and helping them adjust to different experiences. Learning to work as a member of a team is another skill your child will be able to use all his or her life. Children learn about fairness and the dangers of bullying. No child is excluded from an activity because he or she is not popular. Cliques are not allowed at day camp.
Your child will have an amazing experience at day camp while making new friends and developing new skills. You can go to work knowing your child is safe.