Connecting With Nature Through The Summer Camp Experience

Summer camp can be likened to a school setting without the boundaries of walls. Camps allow children to play outside and commune with nature in a safe, yet free, environment. This is one of the main reasons camp advocates encourage parents to enroll their children in a summer camp at least once. The importance of communing with nature cannot be over-emphasized. Two important benefits include:

Image source: birdsleuth.wordpress.com

Learning the importance of life: Children often forget – given that they grow up in communities devoid of trees – that they are part of a larger sphere. Summer camps gently remind them that each plant, bug, and animal is important. Children who learn to appreciate nature have been shown to be more tolerant adults. Additionally, extremely introverted children can learn to express themselves with animals or plants. The goal is not to change their personality but to give them the opportunity to find an avenue in which they can communicate effectively.

Learning the value of pain: It is inevitable that children will fall or get into an accident in a camp. Nature remains the same, regardless of the person. Children who connect with nature learn how not to let scrapes or small injuries defeat them. Research has also showed that children who develop a love of nature at an early age are more adventurous and less inclined to give up during times of adversity.

Image source: survivingateacherssalary.wordpress.com

The beauty of summer camp is that children can learn these lessons while still being guarded and looked after by adults. No child is left unintended in reputable camps. This means that children can learn and develop without fear of actual danger.

Help your son grow into a productive and happy adult by allowing him to experience adventure at Greenwoods Camp. Learn more about its program here.

Being One With Nature: Why Camping Needs to be Taught to the Young

A declining tradition in American culture is summer camping. Many families no longer see the necessity of these camps, claiming that they are more of an expense rather than a benefit. This leaves a large group of children not being able to experience summer camps. Many studies have been published on the myriad of health benefits summer camps have on individuals – particularly on children.

Image source: 360niseko.com

A relatively new branch of development psychology is studying the brain and how it develops. This concept, known as neuroplasticity, shows that the brain creates and develops neural connections based on the experiences it goes through every day. This has an evolutionary benefit, as this implies that the brain develops in the best possible way for survival. So, it may be argued that a person’s brain is unique from everyone else’s as each person experiences different things daily.

There is a critical period for learning. This is generally agreed on as being around the age of 7 to 15. The experiences made during this time could potentially and directly impact how the child will develop as an adult. This is also the time where summer camping is highly encouraged. Camps place children outside of the classroom setting while still allowing them to interact and develop their social communication skills. Furthermore, it is important that children experience the joys of nature and learning life skills such as building a fire. Studies have also shown that a deep connection with nature has a substantial impact on a child’s personal development.

Image source: miamiherald.com

Greenwoods Camp is a safe and fun place for boys to commune with nature and develop into vibrant, happy adults. Visit this website for more information on the camp’s programs.

Preparing a sleepaway camp first-timer: A guide for the anxious parent

Summer camp can be an enriching experience, but It can be daunting for first-timers. So how can parents help prepare their sons and daughters for sleepaway camp?

Image Source: empowher.com

One of the hardest aspects of the experience is the separation. Particularly young children will not be used to the idea of living away from home and children of all ages, even veteran campers, can be prone to homesickness. Camp directors and counselors like the staff at Greenwoods Camp in Decatur, Michigan, understand this and are always willing to help.

But parents should try to dispel the children’s fears of going to this unfamiliar surrounding early on by telling the young ones about the great things they can look forward in the camp. Painfully shy kids might appreciate going to the camp with a buddy like a sibling or a close friend.

Image Source: sheknows.com

The family can also look into how much communication is allowed and set a comfortable schedule according to this. Still, parents should encourage their children to enjoy themselves, and it could be counterintuitive if they miss out because they're always waiting by the phone.

Researching about the camp with the child is also recommended; knowing what to expect is better than going to camp and being bewildered by it. For peace of mind, families should find out about the camp's security, grounds, facilities healthcare, staff, and camp diet early on.

It may also be helpful to pack a reminder of home, like a family photo, a pillow, or a letter telling the child how proud of him the family is. Promising to send packages with a copy of a beloved book or a small toy (something that isn't too precious, in case it gets lost), and maybe some cookies or candy may also be comforting when the child is away.

Image Source: mommieagain.com

Parents also have some worries about sending their children away to camp, but it's important to remember that a child can benefit from having a safe, big space to frolic, learn, and make friends, and getting the right amount of the great outdoors. Besides, the camp experience can be a great way for both parents and their children to learn about healthy independence.

Parent don't have to be anxious about sending their sons to Greenwoods Camps as it prides itself in "taking care of campers better than anyone." Visit this website to learn more about the benefits of going to Greenwoods Camps.