The Camp Next Door: Day Camp

February 22, 2018 3:34 p.m.

Many parents want their kids to experience summer camps, but the idea of spending several nights away from home is a little scary for both them and their children. A great alternative, especially for younger kids, is to send them to day camp. Day camp, as the name implies, typically consist of a series of consecutive days where the child is away during the daytime hours. Children leave in the morning to have the camp experience and come home in the afternoon or evening to have dinner with their families and sleep in their own beds. Day camp gives kids many of the same learning experiences as a typical sleepover camp.

Find the best Day Camp for your child on KC Parent's Camp Guide.

Build independence

Camp is a great place for kids to explore their own independence, and day camp is no different. Kids are dropped off at camp in the morning where they are challenged with new activities they may not get the opportunity to try at home. They will make friends, eat lunch and follow directions without the help of their parents. Kids start to feel more self-confident and independent as the week goes on.

Learn new skills

Day camps typically offer opportunities to learn and grow in areas that children may not be exposed to at school. Kids can pick camps tailored to their interests, including a variety of sports, music, dance, theater, science, arts, nature exploration and more. If your child is drawn to a particular activity or subject, chances are there is a camp to interest him. Kids who are not particularly drawn to academics will thrive in day camps because they are rewarded for their talents and interests.

Make new friends

While you may sign your child up for a camp with a friend, she will meet many new people her age. Children gain confidence as they learn to talk to and work with people they have never played with previously. The opportunity to make friends with children that share similar interests and a fun new experience helps kids feel more comfortable when they are in new situations.

Take a break from the screen

When children spend time at day camp, they get a much-needed break from screen time. As video games, apps, TV and tablets take more and more of our free time, getting the kids outside to play or having fun while learning new skills is a priceless benefit. Who knows? When the kids come home from camp, they may realize they don’t need as much screen time as they thought they did.

Lifelong skills

Day camp helps kids learn skills they can use for a lifetime, including problem-solving and leadership skills, improved confidence and an openness to new things. Depending on the camp, youngsters may learn other skills that will stick with them. My kids learned how to start a fire and cook their own meal at local Scouting camps. My daughter gained the confidence to get on stage in front of a room full of parents and peers at theater camp. My kids improved their skills at sports camps and they faced their fears while trying the camp obstacle course. These experiences will stay with your children throughout life as they face challenges and successes in the future.

Check the parks and recreation department in your area, as well as local preschools, churches and community centers for a variety of day camp themes.

As you are deciding whether day camp is right for your family, consider what type of camp would interest your child most. Choose something you know he will be successful at and consider inviting a friend to sign up with your child. This can make him more comfortable that first day. Let your child help you choose the right camp and then let him know you think he will do great.