Summer Camp is Essential For Kids

The American Camping Association has released research showing how important summer camp is for kids.  It's something we at Wewabeca already know very well.  Check out the full article here.

"At camp, children have a good time and, more importantly, experience successes that promote self-confidence and future academic growth," said Sari VanOtegham, president of ACA Northern California. "The camp environment helps kids grow and learn in ways that will serve them for their entire lives. Camp can have a positive effect on children for the long term."

"And, while some people might think camp is a privilege, research shows that all children benefit from the experience," VanOtegham added. In independent research published by the ACA, campers report significant growth in several areas, including leadership, independence, values, decision-making skills and the ability to make friends. The research also shows that children maintain these gains after the summer camp experience. (Source: The Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience research project, 2005. Conducted by the American Camp Association in collaboration with Philliber Research Associates and supported in part by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.)