Baseball, Apple Pie, and Summer Camp . . . Take Heart America, Some Traditions Still Prevail!
It seems that we cannot turn on the TV or open the newspaper without the lead story being about the state of the economy, corruption on Wall Street, and a lot of loss. Not only is this constant negative bombardment emotionally exhausting, it gives the impression that everything is just a mere flush away from being sucked down the giant bowl of economic failure, and leaves us wondering “what is left?”
Well, the good news is that not everything has headed south in a hand-basket. Yes, America, a tradition prevails that we can still count on — there is still summer camp.
The summer camp industry is virtually unflappable — enrolling kids in large numbers despite the economy.
This is not because it’s an amazing high-yield economic business model — because it isn’t, not by a long shot. The reason for the success of summer camps has nothing to do with big bucks and everything to do with the value camp adds to the lives of kids: summer camp helps kids build personal competencies — self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, self-respect, and appreciation for human value.
Summer camps are still going strong because of their steadfast focus and commitment to positive youth development. Summer camp values people. And in a world where we are left questioning if there is a moral compass left in corporate America, the honesty and simplicity is tantalizing.
The camp experience is not just recreation and fun. It is more than learning skills, such as archery or swimming. It is about emotional growth and maturation. Children at camp learn values like respect, honesty, caring, and sharing. Camp helps children develop critical skills, such as leadership, independence, personal responsibility, and the ability to make authentic human connections — instead of just virtual ones. Summer camp is also a throw-back to the time when childhood was characterized by innocence, imagination, wonder, and laughter — and when being inside all day was torturous.
For decades, parents have reported that when their children return home from camp, they understand the importance of giving, are more caring, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right, and are willing to be more responsible. These are the qualities that will help build a successful nation and a civil society.
It is because of these types of positive outcomes that summer camp has retained its value with American parents for nearly one hundred and fifty years. Camp is a legacy worth preserving, as research continues to provide evidence that all children benefit from the experiences camp offers and that summer camp has become even more essential with the current generation of kids.
Another reason summer camps are flourishing in tough economic times is that they are still affordable. Yes, affordable. Summer camp should not be thought of as a privilege, but rather as one life-changing childhood joy that may still be within financial reach.
It remains to be seen how long this economic crunch will last, but this doesn't mean that parents have to put their kid’s childhood on hold. Camps often offer scholarships or other financial aid, and many will work with families to help address financial limitations affecting prospective campers. Financially-strapped parents should not automatically rule out any camp for fiscal reasons. The critical issue is choosing the camp that's the best fit for their child.
American summer camps have been weathering economic climate changes for over a century and have remained viable throughout good times and bad because of the strength and value in their mission to change lives for the better. Camp is an American tradition to be embraced and a child's rite of passage (and you can bet the last thing on a child's mind while they are at camp will be the state of the economy).
- Login or register to post comments
Printer Friendly
