enhances
self-confidence fosters
teamwork
According to an extensive
study of camper outcomes
conducted by Philliber Research
Associates, 70 percent of parents
report that their child gained
self-confidence while at camp.
Whether they work through
homesickness or tackle an activity
that pushes them outside of their
comfort zone, kids walk away
feeling a stronger sense of
personal pride and self-reliance.
“We use our activities and
facilities as platforms to
encourage kids in who they are
and equip them to grow in
confidence in who God has
created them to be,” Perkins says.
“With this newfound perspective,
they become influencers in their
own communities.” Camp facilitates an
environment where kids learn
that to succeed they must work
together with their peers and
their camp leaders.
Whether they’re working to
build a campfire together,
playing a game, or preparing a
meal, campers learn to
problem-solve to accomplish their
goals. Through teamwork, kids
learn that they are each an
integral part of the camp
community where they feel a
sense of acceptance and
belonging.
helps them
unplug
In a distracting digital world,
camp offers valuable space where
kids can slow down, connect
and focus.
“At Kanakuk, we remove the
distraction technology offers and
give campers the chance to plug
into the great outdoors, try new
sports and activities, make friends
through shared experiences
instead of shared social media
platforms—and we see them
come alive,” Perkins says.
builds
friendships
Away from the pressures, labels
and social structure of school, one
of the best parts of camp is the
opportunity for kids to make
new friends.
“Some of the biggest benefits
we saw from sending our children
to Kanakuk were their new
friendships, spiritual growth and just
the opportunity for them to spend
time with like-minded people away
from worldly distractions,” says
Dianne Shadwick, whose three, now
grown children, began attending
Camp Kanakuk at age 9.
reintroduces
them to nature
According to a nationwide poll
conducted by The Nature
Conservancy, only about 10 percent
of children spend daily time
outdoors. Why? Kids say they aren’t
interested in, they lack access to, and
they are uncomfortable with being
outside. In the meantime, they’re
growing more and more attached to
life in cyberspace and further
detached from the natural world.
“To connect with our woods and
forests, our wildlife, our lakes and
streams and oceans, our stars in
complete darkness, all while
depending on other campers and
adults to keep one another safe is an
experience unlike most others in
life,” Spearin says.
choosing an
overnight camp:
maturity. Most kids are
ready by ages 9 or 10, but
consider your child’s physical
and emotional maturity first.
plan ahead.
Check out
websites, talk to friends and
family for recommendations
and visit prospective camps.
size of camp. Decide
whether your child would do
better in a large or small
setting.
location.
Because of their
geographical location, some
camps offer better outdoor
or adventure activities than
others and may be more
likely to have access to
experienced adventure
specialists.
meet the director.
A meeting will help you get
a sense of his or her
personality, trustworthiness
and compatibility.
Source: EverythingSummer.com
S T. JOHNS
parent
MAGAZINE
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