Another school year will soon come to an end. That means parents are evaluating their children鈥檚 summer schedules - camps are a great option for many kids, and there are many to choose from. Regardless of its kind, a camp succeeds when it combines quality programming, skilled administration and staff, and a safe, engaging environment. The immersive experience of activity and human interaction will almost certainly enrich for your child鈥攊ntellectually, physically, or emotionally. Here鈥檚 how that happens.
Academic camps deliver beneficial instruction and training. While it鈥檚 natural for many children to resist the educational setting during the summer, these camps are opportunities for vital intellectual growth between school years. The better camps present their subject matter in ways to invite enthusiastic participation, often through hands-on projects. Popular concentrations include STEM, reading, or arts and performance. Campers can choose programs that fortify their established strengths or opt for others that may cultivate new interests.
There are also the traditional camps that offer physical, athletic, and outdoor activities. It remains the mental image that many of us have when 鈥渟ummer camp鈥� comes to mind鈥攃abin living, swims in a lake, hikes, and campfire skit shows. As physical education, unfortunately, diminishes for a lot of K-12 youth, these camps provide a wonderful chance for younger children and teens to move their bodies, get acquainted with the beauty of nature, and take a break from their electronic devices. Individual and team sport camps also fit under this category.
Regardless of a camp鈥檚 thematic focus and venue, campers can build their concepts of independence and personal accountability. Simultaneously, they learn to interact with others and what it means to be part of a team. Camaraderie frequently develops over the span of a camp session through shared meals, shared struggles, and shared laughter. Friendships form. We鈥檙e all familiar with stories of reluctant campers being dropped off on Day One and the same ones not ready for it to end. Youth often come away from camp discovering something valuable about themselves in the process.
Speaking of summer camps, are you familiar with the amazing line-up from USF? There鈥檚 something for everyone! Multiple offices have collaborated to present an impressive number of offerings, including STEM, arts, sports, college readiness, and other specializations. Camps are led by field experts and promise high-quality engaging experiences.
Find out more at our Youth Experiences Summer Camps page! The right summer camp just might provide your child with an experience for a lifetime.