The year 2020 has brought on many changes, to say the least. The coronavirus pandemic has significantly disrupted people’s lives when they saw themselves in nationwide, even global, lockdowns. Restrictions of social distancing, traveling, and going outside of your house have generated many feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Lack of social interaction has affected everyone on some level.
While this period has also been challenging for adults with switching work or school entirely on a remote basis – which came with its own set of challenges – for children, this also means a disruption to achieving developmental milestones. So, after a long period of lockdown and various restrictions, it is of the utmost importance to give your child the opportunity to grow outside of school. This is why you should consider sending your child to a summer camp now more than ever. There, your child will be involved in exciting activities and games that are fun and an excellent method to learn.
So, here are six reasons why sending your child to a summer camp is more important than ever:
- Camps help children develop social skills
A summer camp will help your child develop or improve their social skills. After a period when they couldn’t even go to school, the opportunity to interact with other children was no longer available. This can affect a child’s mental health, and they could start developing feelings of anxiety or loneliness. Such a situation in a child’s development years can affect them when they are older. For this reason, it is crucial to provide your child with the chance to nurture their communication skills and make friendships.
Summer camps are an ideal environment. There, your kid will be surrounded by other children of similar age with whom they can interact. What’s more, summer camps are created in such a way that communication is facilitated and integrated through various activities and games. So, if your child is rather shy or not used to making friends when attending a camp and taking part in activities, the idea of talking to someone else won’t feel as intimidating. And, an excellent place to start if your child is not ready for a summer-long camp is to sign them for day camps in Queens. This way, they can get used to the environment, and when ready, you can enroll them in a summer camp.
- Opportunity to learn in a healthy environment
The games and activities typical for a summer camp integrate having fun and learning seamlessly. Your child won’t even realize the activities they participate in are a learning opportunity as they will be busy enjoying them. Among the activities taking place at a summer camp, there is:
- Scavenger hunt;
- Picnics and outdoor activities such as playing a sport or obstacle courses;
- Journaling;
- Water sports and games;
- Painting or drawing;
- Going for hikes;
- DIY activities and arts and crafts.
And the list could go on. These activities are beneficial for children and can improve both their physical and mental health. Spending time outdoors and interacting with other kids will increase their confidence in themselves when it comes to socializing. On the other hand, such activities can improve a child’s cognitive skills, such as visual or auditory perception, divided attention, or logical reasoning.
- Camps explore children’s creativity
As mentioned above, summer camps provide a safe and healthy environment where children can play and learn at the same time. Most of the activities happening at a summer camp are tailored so that children can explore their creativity and find a talent or passion. Whether it is painting, creative writing, doing arts and crafts, or finding a favorite sport, your child will be able to identify their preferences and likes, which they can develop further.
Creative activities positively influence a person’s mental growth. When you foster and challenge your creativity, you will be better equipped to tackle any obstacles later in life. Children who are supported in being creative will develop critical skills. Therefore, when they reach their adult years and begin having various responsibilities and encounter obstacles, they will have the necessary problem-solving and critical thinking skills to tackle and overcome them. A creative person finds solutions to problems faster, as they are able to think outside the box.
- Children learn competitiveness but also teamwork
Being competitive can be beneficial and encouraged as long as the person is respectful and knows how to work well in a team. Competitiveness can motivate people to grow both personally and professionally. However, equally important is knowing how to work collectively. Even if your child learns and works better alone, there will be moments in their lives when either at school, university or work, they will have to work with other people. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to learn how to work in a team.
- Building resilience
It is impossible not to encounter obstacles in a person’s life – whether it is in their personal or professional life. To be able to tackle them with a clear mind, it is crucial you build your resilience. Indeed, this comes from going through difficulties.
For this reason, summer camps can help children build resilience from an early age. When they are involved in various games or activities, chances are at some point they will be on the losing side. Learning how to lose and see this as an opportunity to grow is crucial. So, summer camps are an opportunity for them to conquer their fears, endure any setback and, ultimately, build resilience.
- Camps encourage a digital detox
There is a growing issue with children who are spending too much time indoors. While watching cartoons and playing video games can be beneficial for kids, it is crucial that parents create a balanced environment. Playing outside and interacting with others is also highly beneficial to children who are still developing. Summer camps are an excellent and effective method of doing a digital detox. There, your child will be more preoccupied getting involved in all sorts of activities and events, making friends, and genuinely enjoying their childhood.
