Why Camp is Good For Kids
2018 is almost over but you’re still wondering what to do with your camper this summer… Your camper wants to go to camp, but you’re not sure? Well, you aren’t alone. Camp can invoke feelings of anxiety, but the truth is, the long-term benefits of sending your camper to camp far outweighs the initial fears of being away. We thought we would take a few moments to share these reasons with you.
At Camp, children try new things. Whether it’s waterskiing, archery, climbing the rock wall, horseback riding, cooking over a fire or building something in wood shop…campers are exposed to new activities. Camp Chi’s challenge by choice model helps campers push their limits and go as deep or as surface level as they want to in over 50 specialties or activity areas. Horizons are broadened as campers choose up to 3 activities a day and engage in them for an hour or more for up to 5 days in row. The next time specialty selection rolls around campers can continue with previous activities or select new ones to try. There’s something for everyone and limitless possibilities of activities.
Because camp encourages campers to try new things, camp becomes a safe environment for campers to take risks. The supportive and inclusive nature of living with others and being around them 24/7 helps campers understand that it’s OK to do something that is uncomfortable to you and that people will have your back. Whatever your camper is cautious about, whether it sleeping on the top bunk, eating new foods, speaking Hebrew, making friends, learning a new sport or game, or participating in services, they can take the risk at camp and be supervised while doing it.
Even if they try something new and don’t succeed or take that risk and don’t enjoy it, they can just continue on their merry way because at camp, kids are free to be who they want to be and are accepted for who they are. At Chi, campers do not need to sign up for certain specialties or try certain foods because someone else says or does so. Come as you are, do what you want to do at camp and be whoever you truly are. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what your story is, we just want you to come to Camp Chi and be apart of our family.
Camp fosters life long friendships while also teaching campers the social skills they need in the real world. At Camp Chi, we say there is something and someone for everyone. Our larger size provides a place for campers to meet people from all over and allows campers to find their own social circle and develop meaningful friendships. On the other hand, campers are exposed to people they may not click with, and by being at camp, they learn how to handle those feelings, address them, work through them. Not to mention, at camp, campers learn to make their bed, sort laundry and do clean up chores!
Camp Chi strives to provide the highest quality experiences in everything we do. Learning and growth happen by being engaged in and processing experiences. Screen free environments encourage real play and meaningful conversation and personal growth. It doesn’t matter if it is working through sharing possessions, or a social conflict, explaining how they feel about Israel or describing what it feels like to go down the zip line; through camp experiences, campers discover what they enjoy and what they don’t, who they connect with and who they don’t, and are exposed to values to help them decide who they want to be and what they stand for.
From experience, we know that if you send your campers to camp, they will come home changed. They will seem more complete, they will have succeeded in and been challenged by tasks, activities and social relationships. As they venture in young adulthood, they will stand for respect, demonstrate kindness and openness, and understand the power of community. Just like ours has been, their lives will be impacted forever by that one of a kind Camp Chi Magic.