Summer camp can have lifelong benefits
http://www.charlotte.com/218/story/624810.html
May 15, 2008
Heather Jones
According to [an American Camping Association] study, youths attending camp benefit in the following ways:
• They become more confident and gain self-esteem.
• They develop more social skills that help them make new friends.
• They grow more independent and show more leadership qualities.
• They become more adventurous and willing to try new things.
• Especially at camps that emphasize spirituality, they realize spiritual growth.
The following are some camper responses from the association's study.
• Camp helped me make new friends. (96 percent of respondents gave this answer.)
• Camp helped me get to know other campers who were different from me. (94 percent)
• Camp helped me feel good about myself. (92 percent)
• At camp, I did things I was afraid to do at first. (74 percent)
The following are parent responses from the same study.
• My child gained self-confidence at camp. (70 percent)
• My child continues to participate in activities learned at camp. (63 percent)
• My child remains in contact with friends made at camp. (69 percent)
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