Read the detailed description of Quest's Program Details!
As a camp director I can tell you that we have always talked about the “magic of camp.” Different camp directors, camp staff, past camp attendees and the research all might describe this a little different, but the theme remains the same in that camp is a unique experience that is often specially crafted to have the power to transform the lives of children.
“Camps build skills necessary to prepare campers to assume roles as successful adults. Parents, campers, and camp staff independently reported growth in areas such as self-confidence, independence, making friends, exploring and learning new activities, and spirituality. Indeed, camp provides growth experiences for youth that can benefit them through adulthood.”
In addition:
Campers Say
- Camp helped me make new friends. (96%)
- Camp helped me to get to know kids who are different from me. (93%)
- The people at camp helped me feel good about myself. (92%)
- At camp, I did things I was afraid to do at first. (74%)
Parents Say
- My child gained self-confidence at camp. (70%)
- My child continues to participate in some of the new activities he or she learned at camp. (63%)
- My child remains in contact with friends made at camp. (69%)
I have been spending a lot of time thinking about our campers as well since children with attention, learning, social and emotion needs often require more interventions at a camp program to assist in creating a “magical” summer. I feel that this year will be interesting, complex and yet really import as we re-engage in-person with many of our kids who have had more limited social interactions this year. We always have Quest campers who are very excited and eager to engage with others and just need some skill building and in-the-moment support to thrive, while we also will have kids who have been truly successful this past year since they were able to focus on academics remotely without the added social pressure since social interactions do not come automatic or natural to them. I have already been seeing this process play out in some ways for children and families as many children in the local area went back to in-person schooling for the first time in recent weeks.
I anticipate re-engagement will have it’s struggles and emotional intensity, and will also bring about new learning and growth. Taking a customizable approach to camp re-engagement will also be really important as we camps work to serve children who have had very different life experiences and reactions over the last 14 months. Processing of experience is often a key component to enhance learning and understanding and that will be true this summer as much if not more than ever. I can tell you that I truly can’t wait!
[1] The Value of Camp, https://www.acacamps.org/campers-families/because-camp/benefits-camp/value-camp