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“When I am at camp, I am my best self.” That’s
what campers unanimously say about their camp
experience, because the camp environment creates
a positive community for children to practice
growing up. Trained, caring professionals shore
up campers to leave their comfort zones; with
no pressure of grades, they can try new activities
while acquiring independence, resilience, and
self-discipline. In fact, camp provides the supports
and opportunities for youth to become productive,
connected, and able to navigate from childhood
through adolescence into adulthood.
Research confirms that children feel safe and
happy, and that they reinvent themselves at camp
[link to quotes from ACA’s research of
campers and parents], finding out what they are
good at and putting forth effort in areas where
they want to improve. They learn the skills
needed to become successful, belonging, contributing
members of society: leadership, problem-solving,
decision-making, and coping to name just a few.
Camp is a perfect partner to family, school,
and community youth activities. In fact, the
camp experience is a vital part of a child’s
total education, a place to gain knowledge through
first-hand experiences: at camp, children have
the opportunity to connect with nature, to participate
in human-powered activities, and to benefit from
personal and intergenerational relationships.
As such, it is the gift of a lifetime, leaving
an indelible imprint on every child who attends.
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