The Well-rounded Camper:
30 Life Skills Kids Build While Away From Home
F
By Christina Katz
eeling anxious about sending your child away to
camp this summer? Fret no more. This list of life
skills reminds you of all the reasons to send kids
to camp in the first place. Remember, being away
from the comforts of home offers your camper growth
opportunities in a wide variety of competencies. Best
of all, once kids are safely dropped off at camp, parents
can sit back, relax and enjoy some much-needed down
time, knowing kids will return home transformed
by their experiences. Here are thirty skills to remind
parents why camp is always a good idea, as well as a
panacea for twenty-first century predilections.
Physical Skills
FITNESS. If your child is a passionate about virtual
realities, camp is the perfect motivation to get off the
couch and get moving. You will be pleased when your
child returns home tan, fit and inspired to keep moving.
PROFICIENCY. Does your child complain of
boredom? Exposure to skill-building activities can
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convert kvetching into pride. Aptitude, discipline and
confidence come from doing new things.
SAFETY AWARENESS. Do you find yourself
fretting about your child’s wellbeing? Then send her to
camp to learn about first aid, water safety, and other
safety protocols that go hand-and-hand with learning
new things. When she gets home, she can teach you a
thing or two about safety awareness.
EYE-HAND COORDINATION. Concerned your
child may be a tiny bit klutzy? Send him to camp to
participate in activities that encourage process mastery
like archery, horseback riding or rowing. Having to
learn an ordered series helps dreamy kids focus and
execute tasks.
HEALTHY RISK-TAKING. Is your child an
adrenalin junkie? Do you worry that she will go too far
testing the limits of what’s humanly possible? Camp is
the perfect place to wear out a child with excess energy.
Counselors can help campers channel a zest for risks
into safe outlets while honoring camp rules.