Today our kids face more challenges than ever. Anxiety and depression are at an all-time high, and despite the fact that we’re more connected, feelings of social isolation are rampant. The world is in desperate need of summer camp.
In today’s fast-paced, highly digital world, summer camp serves as a sanctuary for youth to unplug, connect face-to-face and explore their unique potential. Camp is about more than just fun; it actively addresses many of the struggles kids encounter. It is a transformative experience that equips young people with the empathy, grit and curiosity they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
We believe camp plays a crucial role in helping kids push against many of the challenges they’re facing. Here’s how summer camps across the country are making a difference:
From Fragility to Grit
Today’s youth have fewer opportunities to take risks and engage in unsupervised play. A culture of safetyism has led to children becoming more fragile, easily offended and reliant on others for problem-solving. Without the chance to experience failures, they miss out on building resilience.
Camps create a safe space for children to develop autonomy and responsibility. Through engaging activities, campers learn perseverance and the value of overcoming setbacks. By facing and conquering challenges, they build essential grit that will serve them throughout their lives.
From Mental Health Struggles to Healthy Minds
Mental health challenges are now considered the leading cause of disability among youth. Anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts are at record highs with no indication of slowing. Each year, approximately 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder.
Camp fosters mental well-being by keeping campers physically active and off screens. Studies show that physical activity promotes better mental health and fosters genuine human connection. At camp, kids engage in outdoor adventures, teamwork and creative exploration, all of which contribute to a healthier state of mind.
From Social Isolation to Community
Social isolation among youth is a growing concern—the number of adolescents who experienced elevated levels of school loneliness nearly doubled between 2012 and 2018. We have seen how social media allows people to stay connected despite being physically separated. Social media is beneficial in many ways, and yet for youth, it can become a substitute for meaningful socialization and relationships.
Camps combat loneliness by providing a nurturing environment where kids form deep friendships. Youth discover shared interests, connect through teamwork and experience the joy of true community. Camp allows kids to explore their interests with others who say, “Wait, you like that? Me too!”
A Priceless Investment
We get it, summer camp is expensive. But what if instead of seeing the cost, you saw the lifelong benefits your child would gain? Imagine seeing newfound confidence as your child conquers challenges, experiences the joy of deep friendships that last beyond the summer and builds resilience by trying new things. Instead of an expense, camp becomes an investment in the things that matter.
Camps worldwide are shaping a new generation of engaged, capable and resilient individuals. And isn’t that exactly what we need?
Brad Murray is the CEO of Camp Wood YMCA in Elmdale, Kan. He has over 25 years of camping experience and previously worked for camps in Missouri, Iowa and Kentucky. Brad feels passionately that all kids should have the opportunity to attend summer camp and believes in its power to change the world.
Ready to take the plunge and send your child to summer camp? Finding the right fit matters. The KC Parent Camp Guide makes it easy to explore the best Kansas City summer camps, including day camps and overnight camps, so you can choose a program that matches your child’s interests, age and personality—setting them up for a summer full of growth, connection and confidence.