10 Reasons I Heart Camp
In honor of “I Heart Camp” Day (February 1),
here are 10 reasons why, as a parent, I love camp for my own kids
1. Gets them Outside!
Camp gets my kids OUTSIDE, breathing fresh air, watching spectacular sunsets, and getting their sweatshirts full of campfire smoke smell.
2. Makes them Happy!
My kids smile and laugh more at camp than they do anywhere else.
3. Great Role Models
The counselors at camp – young adults who love kids and the outdoors and fun – are rock solid role models and the antithesis of reality TV characters. They’re the kind of people I want my kids to grow up to be like.
4. Less Focus on Appearance
At camp, my girls spend very little time in front of mirrors and a lot of time looking at strong, brave women who climb mountains and fly across lakes on sailboats, all with very little (or no) make up and wearing the same dirty sweatshirt they wear every day at camp.
5. Free Play Outside
Each of my kids, during their years at camp, has, on at least one occasion, spent hours building a fort out of sticks and rocks and other material they find in the forest.
6. Healthy Lifestyle
The incidental exercise my kids get hiking around camp adds up to a lot of mileage, but since they’re singing songs and talking with friends, they don’t even notice how much exercise they’re getting.
7. Camp Friends are the Best Friends
My kids have learned what real, deep friendships are at camp. They’ve formed close relationships with people of all ages and from different countries. The connections they have made at camp are like a tightly knit web of support that will be with them their whole lives.
8. Unplugged Time
Camp gets my kids completely unplugged, off their phones and computers and away from the stress of not having as many “likes” or “friends” as somebody else.
9. Growth through Safe Challenges
At camp my kids are challenged to get outside their comfort zone and try things they wouldn’t normally do. And that really builds their confidence.
10. Have Fun
And, finally, I love that at camp my kids just relax and have fun. No pressures of school, competitive sports, and social cliques. Just fun.
I could list 100 reasons why I “heart” camp, but here are just a few.
Happy I Heart Camp Day!
What do YOU love about camp? I’d love to hear your comments!
