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Eggnog
and S ‘Mores – Camp is
a Holiday Tradition
For some families, thinking about camp
during the holidays seems odd. For many
other families, camp has become part of
a holiday tradition – the gift of
camp. Families know that camp provides
children with self-confidence, a sense
of independence, and the skills necessary
to develop into a successful adult. By
giving a special child the gift of camp,
families can give those intangible
life experiences – experiences that
will last a lifetime.
- Camp is a safe and nurturing environment
that enhances campers' social skills
through group activities and the chance
to make new friends. Camp is for
everyone, so children and teens have
the opportunity to meet and interact
with peers from outside their school
environment.
- Camp supplements formal education.
Camps use organized and intentional
programs to create a balance of experiential
learning programs that are physical,
emotional, and social. There are camps
and camp programs that specialize in
a myriad of activities – from computers
to performing arts or marine biology.
- Camp provides experiences that promote
self-confidence and future academic
growth. Independent research published
by the American Camp Association® (ACA)
shows that parents and camp staff,
as well as children, report significant
growth in several areas, including
leadership, independence, social comfort,
and values and decisions.
- Camp encourages a respect and love
of nature. Children are able to
learn about the natural world. Camp
also gives them a chance to "unplug." More
and more experts are demonstrating
the value of time spent in nature for
children – and camp is a perfect
place to do that.
- Camp provides the opportunity for
children to stay physically active.
Camp programs offer physical activities
and sports that enhance health and
teach self-confidence. From kayaking
to swimming to challenge and ropes
courses, camp is the ultimate outdoor
sports experience.
Last year, more than 10 million children
and youth benefited from a camp experience.
With over 2,400 ACA-accredited® day
and resident camps, it is easier than ever
to find a camp that is committed to health
and safety, and that is perfect for the
special child in everyone's life. Families
can search for the right camp using the
Find A Camp search at www.CampParents.org.
There is also a "Give the Gift of
Camp" gift certificate that families
can download.
About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance
the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs
ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally
challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps
that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
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