Kids and Teens ( How Summer Camp Builds Self-Confidence )

Kids and Teens ( How Summer Camp Builds Self-Confidence )

Overnight summer camp gives kids amazing opportunities to try new activities, make decisions on their own, meet new friends and learn to work together. And as they mount a horse for the first time, negotiate who will play which part in a skit or take responsibility for cabin chores, they'll be taking big strides in building the self confidence that will help them all through their lives.

Accomplishments build self-confidence. Whether scaling a rock climbing wall, learning how to maneuver a sailboat or conquering the challenges of a high ropes course, sleepaway camp gives kids the chance to learn new skills and find success in areas they'd never dreamed of.

Learning to get along with a new group of peers is often a challenge for kids, and making a first step toward a new friendship is a great confidence builder. It's hard to overcome that fear of rejection, but taking risks often feels easier at camp, where kids have a chance to be a whole new self, free of the expectations of parents and peer groups at home.

Camp counselors play an important part in helping build kids' self-confidence, and summer camps work hard to hire mature, skilled and well-trained staff who will do their best to work with campers and encourage them to take on new challenges. Campers learn how to get along with and negotiate with a different group of trusted adults, and a good counselor will know how to encourage each child to try new experiences and make the most of the aptitudes he or she has. Good camps do not tolerate bullying and do their utmost to make sure every child is treated fairly and valued as an individual.

Summer camp offers days of happy, lively, boisterous group games and sports from swimming to rock climbing, horseback riding and boating. The emphasis on healthy living and exercise is a great way for kids to get into good wellness habits. Feeling healthy, fit and good about yourself builds self-esteem. Youngsters who are running, jumping, climbing and having a great time with friends are much happier, healthier and more confident than those languishing on the couch surrounded by a summer supply of electronic devices.

In a good camp, kids are encouraged to help each other. All kids learn to work as a team, whether in a sport, on the high ropes course or creating, writing and producing a skit. Learning to help each other and be part of a community builds self-confidence, and can carry over beautifully into so many other parts of a camper's life at school and at home. It's important to able to work through obstacles, persevere and contribute to a team effort for the betterment of the group.

Kids get to be more independent at camp. Away from mom and dad and teachers, kids feel a sense of freedom to make their own decisions. They can decide to be in the afternoon skit, play dodge ball or pick a crazy design for their camp T-shirt if they want to, or they can choose to do something else. Small as these choices may be, they are part of growing up and gaining a healthy feeling of empowerment.

One of the most special things about sleepaway camp is that it gives kids a sense of belonging. The new and ultimately secure and safe atmosphere of camp, where everyone is welcomed and celebrated, gives a sense of security and self-worth that is invaluable. Silly camp songs and goofy traditions are so much more than they appear to be; they are part of the glue that holds a motley crew of kids of all ages, abilities and personalities together as a group.

Let your kids enjoy the experience of summer day camp at Maplewood Summer Day Camp. Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more