As active leaders in the camping industry, we believe in the immense value of summer camp for kids. We’ve studied the research and statistics and we know that summer camp–regardless of which one you pick–can be a positive and impactful experience for most children. But is one week at camp enough? How about a multi-week summer camp stay?
Consider a summer camp with flexible multi-week options
Many other established sleepaway camps on the east coast offer only 4- or 7-week options. In contrast, Camp Friendship offers shorter 1- and 2-week sessions which can be combined into multi-week summer camp stays. We offer 1-week sessions because we know that many parents consider their first summer a “trial run”. We want to ensure both campers and parents feel ready for an overnight camp experience (even though at the end of the week, many first-time campers beg to be allowed to stay longer!).
There are plenty of reasons to opt for a multi-week summer camp experience: one of them being more opportunities to explore camp offerings! After one week of camp, campers are more familiar with the variety of available activities. With this information in mind (and the comfort that comes with it), they can explore options in week two that didn’t occur to them the first time around.
Strengthen connections
Camp gives kids the chance to connect with others face-to-face. Campers stay friends with each other throughout the year and strengthen those existing connections at camp the following summer. Better yet, they continue to expand their circle of friends each year. At Camp Friendship, they have the added benefit of exposure to a global village with people who come from all over the world.
Practice emotional intelligence
As they get older, it’s important for children to practice and develop self-management of their emotions. Camp is the ideal setting to practice this as counselors serve as excellent yet subtle role models. Children expect their parents to tell them what to do. They don’t always expect to be shaped by their counselors—who can give them advice from the vantage point of a friend who cares. A multi-week summer camp experience allows campers to get in the groove of self-management and possibly discover something new about themselves.
Guarantee growth and progression
Multiple weeks and years at camp offer social growth and development that is just not possible in a short span of time. It also allows campers to increase their independence from year to year. The first time at an overnight camp makes a big impact in our campers’ lives. What’s more, each subsequent camp stay enhances the overall camp experience. Our junior campers look forward to growing into our senior activities and often can’t wait to receive a five year and ten year pin amidst cheers and high fives of fellow campers at Campfire!
Take a break from technology
We hear it every day—the ever-increasing impact of technology on humanity, and specifically children. Children tend to grow more dependent on technology as they grow older. Setting time aside when they can be technology-free is a great way to help them become well-adjusted individuals without the additional influence and distraction that tech can bring.
Relieve outside pressures that increase with age
Camp Friendship is a place to be YOU. Campers join a welcoming community where they don’t need to pretend to be someone they’re not. Every aspect of camp creates a nurturing, inclusive environment where campers are encouraged to be themselves. The pressures from school, siblings, and other typical surroundings are no more. Everyone is supported and everyone matters. In a multi-week summer camp stay, campers have more time to decompress from pressure and adapt to their natural selves.
