How Summer Camp Affects a Child's Self Confidence

Every parent’s goal is to raise a confident child. Giving your child the right types of experiences is important for building this critical personality trait. It’s true that some kids seem to be born with more confidence than others. But even the shyest child can be encouraged to break out of their comfort zone.  Sending them to summer camp can be a great boost to their self-confidence. Time spent away from home, in a safe outdoor environment, can be very beneficial for kids. There are a lot of experiences they may not be able to get anywhere else but at camp.

Conquer Natural Fears with Positive Support

Parents of first-time campers often discover their child has a few fears that have gone undetected. For example, many children fear spending the night away from home. Summer camp counselors are always prepared to offer compassionate support to help them overcome homesickness. From learning to swim, to overcoming a fear of heights, your child will find it easier to tackle new challenges when they have the support of their peers.

Develop Unique Skill Sets

Confidence is often formed while learning new skills that lead to major accomplishments. For instance, your child will feel more confident meeting new people when they have adventures to share in conversations such as learning how to white water raft or bicycle through the countryside. Whether your child masters a new gymnastics skill that helps them win a competition or they learn how to wakeboard, adding to their skill set makes them more comfortable in any situation.

Discover a Newfound Sense of Independence

Maturity is a sign of confidence. Children need to have room to develop their independence. At camp, youngsters will be responsible for things such as keeping their cabin space clean. And they will learn how to resolve conflicts successfully on their own under the guidance of summer camp staff. Discovering that they can be independent gives your child an extra boost to their self-esteem. This boost also transfers to academic and social activities once they get back home and in school.

Learn to Be a Leader

There is a reason why kids who outgrow camp return to be counselors. The camp experience gives every child opportunities to hone their leadership skills. They may be designated captain of their sports team. Or perhaps they’ll want to challenge themselves to lead a hike into the surrounding area. Taking on a leadership role helps build confidence to make decisions. Practicing good communications skills, and learning to draw out the strengths of team members, gives kids confidence in leading group activities that extends long after the season is over.

Those who have been to camp stand out from their peers in their ability to adapt to new situations and take on leadership roles away from home. Watching as your child leaves for camp may leave you feeling a slight twinge of anxiety, but seeing the changes in their self-esteem on their arrival back home is one experience that will have you looking forward to their next season at camp.

Canadian Adventure Camp is a North Ontario coed sleepover summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the wilderness lakes region of Temagami. Founded in 1975, it  provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world! Visit site: http://www.canadianadventurecamp.com/