Summer Camp: 6 Benefits for Kids & Teens in 2026

I vividly remember my first summer camp experience at age 13: the excitement of meeting new friends, the adventure of sleeping together with roommates and the joy of trying new activities. On top of all that was the feeling of freedom! I was away from my parents but discovered I could take care of myself. That was the moment I realized I was an independent person and I could do anything.

Do you have some concerns about sending your child to a summer camp? Let’s talk about it.

Many years later, I now wear a different hat: I’m the parent! As a parent, my excitement has been replaced by anxiety. I’m no longer the adventurer but the protector. Still, I know the benefits of summer camps are extensive and impactful, shaping children in profound ways. In this article, I’ll discuss the key benefits of summer camp for children, including fostering independence, building social skills, promoting physical activity, developing resilience, providing a break from technology and enhancing specialized skills.

Benefit 1: Develops Independence and Self-Confidence

Summer camp offers children a unique opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and away from their parents. This separation encourages self-reliance and decision-making skills. When children navigate daily activities and challenges without parental guidance, they learn to trust their judgment and abilities. This newfound independence translates into increased self-confidence. For example, tackling a ropes course or performing in a talent show can boost a child’s belief in their capabilities.

Camp environments are designed to be supportive and non-competitive, allowing children to be themselves without the pressures of everyday life. According to Dr. Michael Ungar, a family therapist and author, camps provide a “context for children to develop a sense of mastery, belonging and responsibility.” This supportive atmosphere helps children overcome fears and anxieties, promoting a robust sense of self.

Research from the American Camp Association (ACA) supports these observations, indicating that 74% of camp parents reported that their children gained self-confidence at camp. The unique blend of independence, support and new experiences makes summer camp an excellent setting for children to develop and strengthen their self-confidence.

Benefit 2: Builds Social Skills and Friendships

Summer camps are a microcosm of society where children learn essential social skills through daily interactions. Living and playing with peers teaches cooperation, communication and empathy. Campers work together to achieve common goals, whether it’s winning a tug-of-war or putting on a skit, fostering teamwork and collaboration.

Through all this, the friendships formed at camp are often deep and enduring. Shared experiences like campfires, canoe trips and late-night conversations create strong bonds among campers. These friendships can last a lifetime, providing children with a network of peers who understand and support them.

Former camper Sarah Jenkins recalls, “Camp was the first place where I felt like I truly belonged. The friends I made there are still some of my closest friends today.” These unique social dynamics help children broaden their perspectives and adapt to diverse social situations.

Benefit 3: Promotes Physical Activity and Appreciation for Nature

One of the hallmark features of summer camps is the abundance of physical activities. From swimming and hiking to playing sports and participating in adventure challenges, camps ensure children are active throughout the day. This constant movement benefits their physical health, improving fitness, coordination and overall well-being.

Physical activity also positively impacts mental health. Studies have shown that regular exercise improves mood, reduces anxiety, and boosts self-esteem. In addition, spending time in nature has been linked to enhanced cognitive function and emotional stability. According to the ACA, a typical camp day includes at least three hours of physical activity, significantly more than the average school day.

Exposure to the natural environment at camp helps children develop an appreciation for nature. Activities like nature hikes, camping under the stars, and learning about local ecosystems instill a deep appreciation for the environment. This connection to nature can inspire lifelong habits of outdoor activity and conservation.

Check out some adventure summer camps from Best Parents

Benefit 4: Pre-College Programs Can Help Find the Right Career

Our world is changing so fast! It’s hard to guide our children when we barely understand what’s happening. Our specially curated pre-college programs can help teenagers explore their dream jobs. They can meet prestigious tutors and experience the daily life of an architect, engineer, or businessperson, among other professions. Most importantly, they get to feel what it’s like to study that profession while exploring the atmosphere of top universities to stay motivated.

Benefit 5: Enhances Creativity and Imagination

Summer camps provide an environment where children can freely express themselves and explore their creativity. From arts and crafts to drama and music, camps offer various activities that encourage imaginative thinking and artistic expression.

These creative opportunities are vital for cognitive development. According to a study by the National Endowment for the Arts, participation in the arts can enhance children’s academic performance and problem-solving skills. Camps often host talent shows, art exhibitions, and performances, allowing children to showcase their talents and gain confidence in their creative abilities.

Moreover, unstructured playtime at camp allows children to invent games, tell stories, and engage in imaginative play. This freedom to create and explore helps develop a child’s imagination, which is essential for innovative thinking and adaptability in the future.

Consider checking out summer camps with a focus on arts to boost your child’s imagination

Benefit 6: Enhances Specialized Skills and Interests

Many summer camps offer specialized programs that allow children to focus intensively on a particular activity or subject. Whether it’s a sports camp, a science camp, or an arts camp, these programs provide an environment where children can develop their skills and passions.

Being surrounded by peers with similar interests and passionate instructors fosters enthusiasm and mentorship. For instance, STEM camps are increasingly popular, offering hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These camps can ignite a lifelong interest in these fields and provide a foundation for future academic and career pursuits.

Check out some STEM summer camps

Conclusion

Summer camps offer a multitude of benefits crucial for a child’s development. From fostering independence and self-confidence to building social skills, promoting physical activity, developing resilience, providing a technology break, and enhancing specialized skills, the impact of camp experiences is profound and lasting.

Although concerns such as expenses and whether a child is ready are valid, the unique value of summer camp experiences cannot be overstated. For parents considering this option, summer camps provide an enriching environment that supports growth and development in ways that few other experiences can. If you’re interested in exploring summer camp options, many resources are available to help you find the perfect fit for your child.

Parents are wirewalkers between protection and letting go. If we lean too far to one side, we can fall. We believe that summer camps are an excellent way to find the balance in between.

Take care!