The arrival of summer is greeted with excitement by school children every year. However, for parents, deciding how your kid should spend their free time, whether at a day or overnight summer camp, can be overwhelming. To help you make the right choice for your kids, take a look at how each option compares when considering some common childhood development goals.

Staying Home vs. Overnight Summer Camp

Activities & Performing Arts

Learning a new sport or creative pursuit while you are young has lifelong benefits. Even when enrichment activities are not continued into adulthood, practicing them as a child fosters a sense of perspective and problem-solving skills. At an overnight summer camp, kids can participate in arts and crafts, sports, and outdoor recreation all in the comfort of one location. On the other hand, if your child has expressed the desire to pursue a particular passion more fully, staying home for customized lessons might be better.

Friendships

Staying home during the summer may deepen existing friendships but is unlikely to result in the formation of new connections. Attending overnight summer camp not only allows your child to meet other participants, but it also gives them the chance to form a bond with a camp counselor. Many people who go to sleepaway camp report these leaders made a lasting, favorable impression on them. If your goal is to give your child the chance to meet new friends, overnight summer camp has the clear advantage.

New Characteristics

Increased confidence, self-esteem, and curiosity are all benefits that leaving home for an extended period can provide. Shy, disruptive, or anxious children may develop these characteristics when in a secure and supportive environment that equips them with clear values and consistent rules. To the contrary, those with extreme social anxiety may feel more comfortable staying at home until they are more mature.

 

Although there are pros and cons to both keeping your child home for summer and sending them to an overnight summer camp, it’s less likely that they will have as many opportunities for growth and connection staying at home. It can be daunting to parents and kids alike, but the many benefits of sleepaway camp are powerful and long-lasting. Killooleet Camp in Hancock, Vermont, is one of the nation’s most loved facilities and offers participants between the ages of 9 and 14 the chance to create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. To learn more about their schedule, visit their website today or call (802) 767-3152.