Curious Parents Summer Camp Resources

Residential, Day, and After-School Summer Camps in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

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The Kids Speak

What is Camp All About?

During the summer of 2000, campers in approximately 20 different camps accredited by the American Camping Association provided answers to questions like “What did you learn at camp?” “How are you different in school because of what you did at camp last summer?” “How do you feel differently about yourself since you’ve been to camp?”

Here’s some of what they said.

Can you think of things you learned and did at camp last summer that helped you in school this year?

• I was more confident, wanted to know everything, was excited to be in school and good grades in 7th grade. (12 year old female)
• I learned mostly about how to get along with my peers, but also I learned to take on more responsibilities. (13 year old male)
• My experience helped me look at challenging situations differently and instead of giving up, finding a way around them. (14 year old female)
• Last summer I learned a lot about how to control my anger. (13 year old female)
• I learned better sportsmanship and listening skills that helped me bring up my grades in behavior. (11 year old male)
• I learned how to be on my own without someone with me all the time. (12 year old male)
• I learned to have more patience and to appreciate the things I have. (10 year old female)
• I feel that I am better at interacting with friends and family. The people skills learned at camp affected me dramatically when I went home. (15 year old male)
• Leadership, organization, water-skiing, make my bed, keep my stuff clean, to keep in touch with my friends, respect, how to handle pressure. (13 year old female)

Do you feel differently about yourself when you are at camp?

• I feel differently because I feel like I am accomplishing something by being here. (13 year old female)
• At school there are defined groups of people, but at camp, everyone feels wanted. (15 year old female)
• Yes, because I’m with people my age and people who respect everyone. (11 year old male)
• At camp I think that I can do more and be proud of myself. (13 year old female)
• At camp I have a personality that is different from home. I’m less cautious to do fun or exciting things. I don’t feel as alone as I sometimes do at home. (14 year old male)
• When I’m at camp I feel that I can be more open with myself and others. I tell people things at camp I wouldn’t speak of back home. I feel so much more in tune with myself here and I can discuss issues so much more openly. (15 year old male)
• I don’t have to be fake to anyone. Everyone here accepts me as I am and I’m not judged or criticized. (15 year old female)

If explaining camp to friends, what would you say you learn here?

• I learned to listen to what other people say. (10 year old male)
• I learned a lot of team work skills. (13 year old female)
• You learn how to relate to people on a level deeper than that of school or everyday life because you live together. (14 year old female)
• I learn a lot about respect and my real values in life, what they really should be. (14 year old female)
• Values like how to be responsible and respectful. (13 year old female)
• You learn mostly how to interact with different kinds of people and are open to different ideas. You learn how to cooperate well with others who share and don’t share the same opinions as you. (15 year old female)
• I learned to have fun, be a leader, discipline, and most of all - respect. (12 year old male)
• You learn how to make new friends, learn different sports, and learn that camp can be a very good part of summer! (9 year old female)

Does camp give kids a world of good?

• You bet it does!

Courtesy of the American Camping Association®