A 2011 research project conducted by Dr. Troy Glover and his team at the University of Waterloo discovered, not surprisingly, that attending summer camp is good for kids and youth.
The Canadian Summer Camp Research Project, funded by the Canadian Camping Association, explored the outcomes of summer camp participation and concluded it helps kids in five key areas of development, including social integration and citizenship, environmental awareness, attitudes towards physical activity, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence and personal development.
Just some of the benefits of attending camp found in the report include:
- Camp increases social connections. Many camp friends remain so for life and young people befriend individuals sometimes perceived as different from themselves. They also 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, 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 day. When life is stripped of cellphones, television and computer-based social networking, children can focus on essentials such as core values.
- Camp provides a safe, secure, supportive and healthy environment. After participating in a full day of activity, often outside, and enjoying regular, nutritious meals, campers are ready for a good night’s sleep whether in their camp cabin, tent or at home after a busy day. The research also showed 61 per cent of campers showed improved attitudes towards physical activity by the end of their camp session.
- Camp builds character and self-esteem because children and youth emulate the example of camp leaders through cooperation and consideration of the camp community. They also acquire new skills and learn how to cope independently away from home. Returning campers develop leadership skills.
The entire report is available at healthycommunities.uwaterloo.ca/camp.
