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Summer Camp: Camp experience provides kids with many benefits

There are many benefits of sending your child to summer camp. Dr.
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Campers meet new friends and get exposed to the natural world, all the while leaving cell phones and video games behind.

There are many benefits of sending your child to summer camp.

Dr. Troy Glover and his research team at the University of Waterloo released a study, The Canadian Summer Camp Research Project, in 2011 that explored the outcomes of summer camp participation.

The five-year study concluded that, "Participation in provincially accredited camps promotes positive change in five key areas of development: social integration and citizenship, environmental awareness, attitudes towards physical activity, emotional intelligence and self-confidence and personal development."

Camp increases social connections. Camp friends become friends for life. Young people befriend others who sometimes are individuals perceived as different from themselves. They learn to resolve conflicts in a positive manner. Campers have a sense of belonging and develop a sense of pride in their camp.

Camp exposes children to the natural world. Current research shows that time spent in a natural environment is as essential to a child's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development as eating and sleeping. Campers learn to respect and appreciate the world around them. They learn how to protect the environment and develop environmentally friendly attitudes.

Camp allows children to live simply. Simple routines in a camp environment allow children to both anticipate and enjoy the camp day. When life is stripped of cell phones, television and computer-based social networking, children can discover core values upon which successful lives are based.

Camp provides a safe, secure, supportive and healthy environment. After participating in a full day of activity often outdoors and enjoying regular, nutritious meals, campers are ready for a good night's sleep, whether in their camp cabin or tent or at home after a busy camp day.

Camp builds character and self-esteem. Emulating the example of camp leaders, children become co-operative, caring and considerate members of the camp community. As they enjoy novel experiences, acquire new skills and cope independently away from home, they become more capable and confident. Returning campers develop leadership skills.

Camp teaches skills. The "harder" skills like sailing, canoeing and soccer become leisure pursuits for a lifetime while the "softer" skills like sharing, consideration, conflict resolution and self-confidence are both transferable and lifelong.

Summer camp is a place to experience fun, laughter, wonder and joy. Camp provides a time of relief and rest from the pressures, demands, schedules and stress, which too often are a reality of young people's daily lives.

Laughter and fun are as important to health and wellness as medicine or treatment.