Life lessons learned at camp

June 30, 9:33 AMLA Parenting ExaminerRebecca Lacko

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There is a camp for nearly every interest or avocation---from theatre and dance to science and sports. We live in a community that offers a camping experience for virtually every child's interest and capability. More importantly, the lasting benefits of camp stretch far beyond improved skills or cognitive learning. American Camp Association® (ACA) research evaluating camper and parent responses to questions regarding camp reveals over 90 percent of campers reported that camp made them feel good about themselves, introduced them to people who were different than them, and helped them make new friends.

So why does the camp equation work? Is it the perfect balance of education and fun? In their 2009 May/June Camping Magazine article, The Boy in the Boat, Stephen Wallace, author of Reality Gap — Alcohol, Drugs, and Sex: What Parents Don't Know and Teens Aren't Telling, chairman and CEO of SADD, director of counseling and counselor training at the Cape Cod Sea Camps, and adjunct professor of psychology at Mount Ida College, interviews Ben Seifer, a recent grad from Cape Cod Sea Camps' Counselor Training Program who received the Service Cup for his integrity and selfless contributions to the welfare of others. Wallace and Seifer discuss life lessons learned at camp from the perspective of a camp director and a camper. By showing both perspectives, "The Boy in the Boat" provides valuable insight into camp’s success at teaching real-life skills.

• Self-Reliance  Kids at camp find the resources that help them meet goals, resolve conflicts, and succeed. – Stephen Wallace
  
  My counselors showed me the way without holding my hand. I did a lot of active learning – trying something the first time and seeking guidance from my counselors if I couldn't figure it out on my own. – Ben Seifer

• Self-Confidence Self-confidence is gained when campers find meaningful, fulfilling educational and social experiences at camp, interpret those experiences correctly, and have reasonable, achievable expectations for success. – Stephen Wallace
  
  It is not important for campers to become the best at whatever they choose to do, but it is essential that they feel they've accomplished something. – Ben Seifer

• Exploration Camp is about learning – about oneself, about others, and about new ways to approach the world. – Stephen Wallace
  
  My counselors were always encouraging me to step outside of my comfort zone and take risks. I developed trust in them, and with the entire camp community. – Ben Seifer

• Responsibility Beyond the buddies, baseballs, and bonfires lies the true value of the summer camp experience: a heightened sense of personal responsibility for the well-being of others. – Stephen Wallace
  
  One of many things I learned at camp is a conscious responsibility to always be there for others. Away from camp, I have volunteered as a peer leader, facilitating discussions about alcohol and drug use with middle and high school students and their parents, and I have joined fellow athletes in performing community service.
  – Ben Seifer

For more info: The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards.

What to pack for camp: Advice from veteran campers!

Learn more about children's life lessons at camp. Parents can also receive updates and tips by following the American Camp Association® (ACA) on Twitter @ACACampParents.