Why summer camp is a defining moment in a child’s development

We have all heard of the summer learning gap—when children are out of school and are not always engaged in educational nor enriching activities. There are some populations of children which can be more significantly negatively impacted by this time than others, such as those in low-income situations. However, the effects of the summer learning gap apply to all children. This is where summer camp comes in.

When we think about child development, we are never solely referring to just one dimension of an individual’s growth, such as academic progress. So, when we talk about summer learning loss, we are referring a child’s development as it relates to their intellectual, psychological, social, emotional, and biological changes and growth.

At camp, the focus is on our community of children who arrive every day knowing that they are a part of something larger than themselves and that their actions contribute to making our experience what it is. This is a powerful expectation that we set and what we have found is that our campers rise to the occasion. Of course, there are instances where they need support, where they could have been more compassionate, respectful, or empathetic. When this happens, we provide campers with tools to help them move forward in a positive direction. We remind them it is okay to make mistakes and to fall down, but that what matters is how you stand up and take your best next step forward. It is in these defining moments that campers develop their sense of self-confidence and self-efficacy. It is where their character is built and strengthened. Around every corner, there are opportunities for our campers to challenge themselves and grow at their own pace. Whether it is during cabin time, in a specific activity, in the pool or during a camp-wide program, our campers seize opportunities to stretch themselves physically, socially, and intellectually, to learn new skills and master old ones. At summer camp, children develop skills that will serve them through adulthood.

While camp is full of fun and adventure, it is also layered with the meaningfulness of new friendships formed, old friendships revived, and moments that make each of us feel unique and known. The joy of camp is that we learn, we share experiences, and we enjoy doing so alongside our friends. Camp is where it is cool to scream and sing at the top of your lungs to celebrate the start of a new day, where it is cool to dress up in your craziest costume on a Wacky Wednesday, and where it is cool to be you. It is where we celebrate our individuality and our community.

So, when we think about summer learning and potential loss, we are talking about so much more than just filling the gap of children being out of school. We nurture their minds, bodies, and souls—the whole child—to support and advance their growth and development. At camp, we are in the business of offering enriching, immersive skill-based learning opportunities for children in a socially supportive environment. And that can make all the difference.

-Abby Kaufman, Director of Camp Shai.  The JCC of Denver and the MACC offer a vast array of choices from day camp to overnight camp as well as their art and theatre academies.  With a nurturing, friendly, safe and creative environment, your children will grow in their programs, which are developed by caring camp professionals. They teach important skills and inspire new journeys while having fun every day. Over the course if the summer, your children can expect swimming, Judaic programming, sports, professional arts classes, professional theatre classes, Friday FUNday, Shabbat celebrations and tons of fun. Their programs are open to members and non-members. To learn more please visit their website www.jccdenver.org/camps , give them a call at (303) 316-6307 or email at [email protected].  

Author: Mile High Mamas