Parent Magazine Volusia March 2019 | Page 13

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 choosing an overnight camp: 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. 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 VOLUSIA parent MAGAZINE | 11