Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Why Send Your Child to an Academic Summer Camp

Sending a child to an academic summer camp is a challenging decision for any parent. While it can have some disadvantages, parents need to consider the possible benefits that come when children attend a camp. An educated decision is the key to getting the most out of available academic camps.

Getting Ahead in School:
An academic summer camp is not only about enjoying outdoor activities, crafts and the theme of the camp. It is also about learning new academic skills and making the most of a child’s natural curiosity. In many cases, a summer camp geared around some element of academia can result in getting ahead in school after summer.

Making Friends:
Summer camp is an opportunity for children to make new friends and learn better social skills. Growing up together in school from kindergarten until the end of high school can limit a child’s social growth and result in shyness as an adult. Summer camp can help children learn to work around shyness and ensure that it is easier to make friends after high school.

Trying New Activities:
Camp gives children an opportunity to try activities they otherwise might ignore or feel uncomfortable trying while staying at home. Children can learn a wide range of new skills and enjoy new activities that encourage curiosity and exploration. The particular activities will vary based on the type of summer camp.

Learning About Different People:
Children at summer camp come from a wide range of backgrounds, races and sometimes even countries. As a result, children have the opportunity to learn about diversity. The more children learn to accept and understand different individuals as they are, the better they are prepared for the future. Summer camp is an opportunity for children to explore, learn and enjoy something new. While an academic summer camp will not necessarily provide the same level of physical activity that sports camps issue, it does tap into a child's curiosity and still has exploration as part of the final outcome. Camp has many positives that help children learn, grow and gain a sense of confidence that carries forward into adulthood.