3 Reasons That Camp is Crucial in 2021

from Parents Press January 2021

Day Camp or Overnight Camp?

Camps and Summer Programs 2021 3 Reasons That Camp is Crucial in 2021

By Bud Copeland Director of Membership & Engagement, American Camp Association

Since 1861, countless children and young adults from across the country have called camps throughout New England “home” for the summer. Unfortunately, that was not possible for too many in 2020.

Camp in New England has faced unprecedented challenges before. Each time, true to the brand, camps and the professionals who run them have shown resilience, and they are eager to take what we’ve learned this year and prepare for a successful run in 2021.

Michele Rowcliffe, Executive Director of the American Camp Association, New England, sees camp as crucial to helping campers, staff and families thrive moving forward, “Because of the pandemic, young people face unique challenges to their mental and emotional well-being in ways we’re not used to. Camp has always been a safe place for personal development, overcoming challenges, making friends and trying something new. On the heels of such disruption in 2020, camp is exactly what we need in 2021.”

With that in mind, here are three reminders of why camp is crucial in 2021.

1Soft Skills: Talk to any camp director, and they’ll tell you the wonderful stories of success they’ve witnessed over the years for both campers and staff. You’ll hear about beating homesickness, learning new skills, or meeting someone from a totally different state or country. These experiences lead to increased confidence, resilience and independence, and the American Camp Association’s 5-Year Camp Impact Study can back that up with their phase II findings. According to the study, the following are the most essential and lasting outcomes of the camp experience: improved relationship skills, independence and responsibility, appreciation for living in the moment, perseverance, and willingness to try new things. Any potential teacher, coach or employer would love that profile.

2Opportunity: From lockdowns to quarantines, many are suffering from COVID fatigue and champing at the bit for a chance to get out and play! When the time comes, whether focusing on a single, specialty activity or looking for a general experience, camp provides opportunities to hone skills and try new things. There aren’t too many homes with archery ranges or pottery kilns or climbing towers, so camp gives children the chance to play and explore in ways and with friends not usually available at home.

3Camp is healthy for

the whole family: In 2020, we all hunkered down and enjoyed more quality time together than probably most of us had in quite a while. That said, time apart is also critical for healthy development, and camp can play a role. We know how important and impactful camp is for the camper and counselor, but what about the family NOT at camp. Camp is an important element in their development too. It’s difficult to relax when sending children away for a day, week, month, summer. But by sending campers and counselors to play and work at ACA, Accredited camps, families create healthy, safe opportunities for families to grow while spending time apart. ² For more information about camps, contact the American Camp Association or visit www.aca.org.