May 12, 2009
Study Shows Summer Camp Experiences Good for Young People
With the summer camping season soon here, hundreds of youth from across North
Dakota will travel to their favorite organized camp to have fun and meet new
friends.
According to a study completed over several years by the American Camp
Association, young people also benefit from camping by developing self-esteem,
independence, leadership and other social skills. Through structured,
goal-oriented activities taught and supervised by positive older teen and adult
role models, children at camp benefit from communal observance of achievement,
whether in small-group or all-camp settings. Young people, camp staff and
parents also reported significant growth in friendship skills, social comfort,
peer relationships, adventure and exploration, environmental awareness and
values and decisions. The study was completed by more than 5,000 families from
80 camps and determined the outcome of the camp experience from the perspective
of the parent and child.
Check with local youth development organizations and programs in your area to
locate camping experiences for your child or grandchild. These include 4-H,
scouting, faith-based and other camping experiences. Some organizations will
provide camping scholarships and transportation assistance. Thinking ahead to
next year, why not consider giving a camp registration fee payment as a birthday
or Christmas gift-there are many different types of camps to fit the needs of
the young people in your life.
The North Dakota 4-H Youth Development Program is offering several camping
experiences at the Western 4-H Camp near Washburn, North Dakota. See
Western 4-H Camp
for camp dates, agenda, costs and registration deadlines.
