Kids need camp. The adventure, the play, the relationships, the hands-on learning and experience—each piece contributes to growth in ways that can’t be manufactured anywhere else. In today’s world, children are busier than ever. Their schedules are filled with school, sports, and technology. Good things, no doubt. And yet many still long for something deeper: a place to belong, to grow, and to simply be themselves. Camp offers that space. It’s more than a program—it’s an environment designed to nurture growth, joy, and faith. Here are four reasons why kids NEED camp:
1. Independence
At camp, children learn independence in a safe and supportive environment. Away from parents, they are encouraged to make decisions, try new things, and navigate challenges on their own. These small steps—whether the literal first steps out of the car, tackling the ropes course, or participating in a cabin skit—build confidence that lasts long after camp ends. For many kids, camp is the first time they feel trusted to manage themselves, and that freedom is both empowering and transformative.
2. Belonging
Camp also nurtures friendships and a sense of belonging. In cabins and group activities, kids meet peers from different backgrounds and learn to live, play, and problem-solve together. The bonds formed through shared adventures often become lifelong friendships. The camp community shows kids what it feels like to be accepted just as they are—an experience that every child craves but doesn’t always find in daily life.
3. Unplugged Fun
Another reason camp is vital is the chance to unplug from screens and rediscover the joy of real-world play. Surrounded by nature and guided by creative activities, children explore, imagine, and experience life in a way that fosters curiosity and wonder. Whether it’s stargazing, learning to canoe, or crafting with their hands, camp provides simple joys that are increasingly rare in daily life. This kind of play is not just fun—it is formative, helping children develop imagination, problem-solving skills, and resilience.
4. Development
Another reason camp is vital is the chance to unplug from screens and rediscover the joy of real-world play. Surrounded by nature and guided by creative activities, children explore, imagine, and experience life in a way that fosters curiosity and wonder. Whether it’s stargazing, learning to canoe, or crafting with their hands, camp provides simple joys that are increasingly rare in daily life. This kind of play is not just fun—it is formative, helping children develop imagination, problem-solving skills, and resilience.
Bonus: A Gift for Parents Too!
Camp doesn’t just benefit kids. Camp benefits the parents, too. For many parents, dropping off a child at camp is an act of courage—releasing them into the care of others and trusting they’ll be safe, happy, and cared for. And yet, what parents gain is priceless:
• Peace of mind knowing their child is in a safe, nurturing environment.
• Time to rest and reset while their child is away.
• Joy in watching growth when their child returns more confident, independent, and mature.
• Partnership in faith and character development, as camp reinforces the lessons and beliefs parents want to instill.
In many ways, camp comes alongside parents as a partner, much like the church does. It reinforces a family’s faith and values, provides mentors who model integrity and kindness, and gives children opportunities for safe adventure and meaningful challenge. Parents often see their children come home, not only with new stories to share, but also with new strengths and perspectives that enrich the whole family.
