Summer camp can have lifelong benefits

[fgoodwin]

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)

[excerpted]

[pipestone1991]

Very cool! I <3 summer camp. I can't wait for next week! After that soccer and running will be my life

[wagionvigil]

I have been in camp every summer since 1961 inn one capacity or another camper,counselor,leader, I return this year doing Climbing two days a week. The council decided to save some money and not get a COPE director so I as the Climbing director will need to pick up the slack. I will hae two 19 year olds but they cannot operate the tower without a 21 year old.
Camp was also where I met my wife of 36 years.

[smtroop168]

You romantic devil you!

[lifescoutforlife]

I had a great time each year when summer camp rolled around. I would go the first week with my troop then go back the last week as a provisional camper I liked it so much. Both my boys enjoy camp a lot, they started out doing the parent pal weekend then cub camp and now boy scout camp for the oldest one and not that far off for the youngest one. All 3 of us have not only gained knowledge that will last us a life time but have great memories and storys to tell forever. Summer camp is one of my personal favortive activies in boy scouts.

[jr56]

I've always felt that summer camp was the best week of the year. I really miss it.