Camp: Part of a Child’s Life Story
June 29th, 2010 
Carol 
Great things happen when youth and mountains meet . . . and when they meet at camp something extraordinary happens. For nearly 150 years, camp has been part of the hearts and minds of children and parents. The camp experience has provided important steps toward the milestones of many young lives — creating and fostering the artist, the musician, the articulate businessperson, the inspired politician, the actor, the scientist, or the visionary who lives in each child’s heart.
Children’s camp experience is part of the story of their life. Camp is about firsts — a first campfire outdoors, a first time leading a pony, catching a frog, or enjoying evening stories — and being chosen to be part of a community that values each child and his or her special gifts. It’s about making memories, honoring traditions, and being a part of something bigger.
According to the American Camp Association® (ACA), some of the benefits and anticipated outcomes of the camp experience include social skills development, self-respect and character building, and community living and service skills. An ACA study also indicates that parents, camp staff, and children reported significant growth in areas such as independence, leadership, friendship skills, environmental awareness, values, and decision-making abilities.
“Camp is an equal opportunity life-changer,” said Peg Smith, ACA’s CEO. “Camps have the opportunity to help all children — the gifted athlete, the budding musician, the curious naturalist, the first-time camper, and the child with a disability — feel successful. The idea that camp is for every child isn’t just a nice thought — it’s a reality.
“It’s never too late for families to find the perfect camp experience. ACA’s family resource site, www.CampParents.org, offers expert advice and information on planning the perfect camp experience. In addition, ACA’s “Find a Camp” database allows families to search for camps based on location, programming, session length, cost, and more.
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