Summer camps aren’t just for kids. Even when your children become old enough to stay at home alone, the benefits of a teen summer camp are hard to ignore.
Most parents don’t get summers off like their kids. While you’re at work all day, you’ll want to know your teen is taking care of themselves.
The following five benefits of summer camp can make every day your teen spends there worth the money:
1. They Develop Independence
No matter how strong a relationship you have with your teen, they need their space to grow and discover what they’re capable of.
Sending them to a teen summer camp gives them a chance to experiment without constantly being under your well-meaning scrutiny. They’ll develop important skills and feel empowered to take care of themselves.
2. They Build Confidence
With independence comes a level of newfound confidence. Teens will use their independence to their advantage to try new things and build new skills.
And once they see what they’re capable of, confidence becomes a natural by-product.
Once teens arrive at camp, they no longer have mom or dad to lead the way. Instead, they’re forced to figure things out on their own. They’ll make mistakes and learn from them.
And when they’re finished, they’ll have a whole wealth of knowledge that can only be possible when they have the confidence to succeed.
3. They Experience New Things
Summer camp opens up a whole new world of opportunity for teens. It’s an excellent way for teens to be exposed to many different things in a short time span, which could spark new hobbies, interests, or even a future career.
They’ll meet new people and make friends. They’ll spend their days hiking through forests, swimming in lakes, and staying up late. They’ll enjoy campfires, songs, games, jokes, and stories with their peers.
They may even be forced to do things they wouldn’t elect to do on their own, like making fruit-infused water or fancy desserts. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll end up enjoying it.
4. They Unplug from the Everyday
No parent wants their teens to spend valuable summer vacations in front of the television. But this is the reality for many students who are too young to work or drive but too old for daycare.
When parents are working, they need to find a way to entertain themselves. In our digital age, the go-to pastimes are usually the TV or computer.
But savvy parents know that nurturing your body and brain is time well spent. Summer camp fills the time with actionable, insightful, and memorable activities that teens actually want to do—with no TV or tablet in sight.
5. They Make Long-Lasting Memories
For kids and teens, the best childhood memories are usually those that don’t involve grown-ups.
It’s hard for parents to let kids have a life without being part of it, but it’s a necessary rite of passage. Give them a chance to make their own memories and
Don’t Wait to Find a Teen Summer Camp!
Spots for teen summer camp tend to fill up quickly, so start your search early to get the program of their choice.
Finding the right camp can be the difference between a cruel summer and one of the most memorable summers of their life!
For more family insights, check out our Motherhood section!