Enhance Magazine March 2018 Enhance | Page 41

by Kaetlin Zink Though it may not feel like it, summertime will be here before we know it! You know what that calls for – time spent relaxing poolside, enjoying burgers from the grill, listening to good music with friends and family. If you have a child, this time of year also means summer break (man, wouldn’t it be nice to be a kid again?!). Such a long break from school, however, doesn’t necessarily make the decision to remain idle for that period of time the best idea. Check out these benefits to enrolling your kiddos in summer camp. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY – Children engage in various sports and activities to stay fit, like basketball, soccer, volleyball, floor hockey, handball, wiffle ball, tag games, and more. If your children are particularly interested in sports and fitness, check out our activity- based camps, like yoga and laser tag. COMMUNITY OF FRIENDS – Summer camp is an excellent way to boost your children’s social skills. While campers oftentimes have school friends that attend the same camp, it is also an opportunity for them to diversify and meet students from other schools. CREATIVE EXPLORATION – Many HAC camps incorporate arts and crafts and allow for creative exploration. If your child is interested in drawing and creating, make sure to check into camps like Art Around the Globe and Dare to Draw: Cartooning and Disney. STRUCTURED ATMOSPHERE – Without a structured routine in the summertime, many children can get out of the natural swing of things, sometimes even setting them back developmentally. By enrolling your child in summer camp, the implementation of a daily routine will serve as a beneficial way to reverse these potential setbacks. INFLUENTIAL ROLE MODELS – Our amazing counselors at the HAC set great examples for modeling behavior. They especially emphasize the importance of embracing a positive outlook on life, regardless of current circumstance. TEAMWORK SKILLS – Every day at camp, children engage in stimulating group activities, both creative and athletic. Communicating with campers from diverse backgrounds / experiences allows them to learn new perspectives and build upon their teamwork skills. They also learn that working together is fun! BUILDING INDEPENDENCE – While socializing is certainly key at camp, children also have the opportunity to expand on an individual, personal level. Participation in daily activities at camp help children make choices independently, under the guidance and leadership of counselors. INSTILLING CONFIDENCE – Children are given the opportunity to further explore known interests as well as discover and explore new interests they otherwise might not have stumbled upon. The independence they gain through these experiences enhances self-confidence. DISCOVERING AND EXPLORING TALENTS – In a limited school setting, children oftentimes fail to realize the full scope of their interests and talents. By introducing children to more unique programs only found in summer camps, kids are able to discover and explore new avenues of i nterest. MATURING – Summer camp allows for maturation in all aspects. Participation in camp allows children to mature socially, emotionally, intellectually, and even morally. 2018 HAC has been providing a safe, fun, and educational place for kids to spend their summers for 11 years now! We offer programs for kids between the ages of 3 and 12 years old. Our various programs include fan favorites, like Sports Mania and Party in the USA, Olympics and SuperHero Alliance! Furthermore, our summer camps provide children with the opportunity for philanthropy. HAC campers engage in fundraising to help raise money for the Special Olympics Delaware and Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens. Teaching children selflessness and social awareness at an early age can have a profound impact on their character development throughout the course of their lives. Raising our children to know the importance of helping others is imperative to making our world a better, safer, happier place. For a full list of our Summer Camp programs, visit our website at hachealthclub.com/ camp, or pick up a brochure on your next visit to the HAC! Our online registration is available now! To find out which camp is the right fit for your child, contact kidsprograms@ hachealthclub.com. enhance magazine | MARCH 2018 41