By Dan Tomasulo
As many as 12 million children find their way to summer camp each year to “enrich lives and build tomorrows,” as the slogan goes. For more than 150 years the summer camp experiences have been woven into American culture – and for good reason. Camps have a unique ability to engage campers in caring relationships, cooperation, and emotional, social, and spiritual growth of the staff and campers alike.
Positive developmental experiences essential to human growth are woven into the everyday experience of organized camps. In fact, a number of research studies indicate document the essential role camps play to enrich human development. Trained leaders using intentional goals with children hallmark organized camps.Yet, the range of experiences at camps can be as different as the kids who come. There are four main features that organized camps foster: Confidence and self esteem; social skill and making new friends; greater independence and leadership makings; and an appropriately adventurous attitude. Additionally, for those camps that give emphasis to spirituality, children come to value spiritual growth. For camps specializing in disabilities, campers make gains in all the same areas – and tend to increase most in the area of self- reliance.
The greatest finding of studies about the effectiveness of camps center around the supportive relationships that evolve between and among the campers – and in particular between the youth and the staff. Because camps are so gratifying they tend to facilitate life-long goals that lead to achievement. Everything from group living skills through teamwork can foster the development self-efficacy: the belief in one’s ability to succeed.
If you are thinking about camp, find the one that best suits your child’s needs. A balance of fun, growth, and new relationships awaits.
Dan Tomasulo holds a Ph.D. in psychology, an MFA in writing and a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. He teaches positive psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. For more information, visit his website Dare2BeHappy.com.
