I have been going to summer camp for the last 15 years of my life. I spent 10 summers as a camper, 2 summers as a Counselor-In-Training, and this is my third summer on staff. Needless to say, I love summer camp and believe it can truly change lives.

1. It teaches them responsibility.

Between the youngest kids learning to get ready in the mornings by themselves and the older kids being role models for the younger kids, your child will come home a more responsible child.

2. They learn to voice their opinions.

Camp gives them the chance to speak up about what activities they would like to do and even just speaking up about little things like food will give them the opportunity to speak up more and not be afraid.

3. They learn to appreciate nature more.

Between hiking for fun and walking to and from activities, nature is everywhere and it gives you child a chance to experience and appreciate it more.

4. Camp gets them to be more active.

Your child will walk everywhere they go, swim, and play all sorts of fun, active games.

5. It introduces them to people from different backgrounds and teaches them to make friends.

Children from a variety of backgrounds will attend summer camp and your child will get the chance to meet a lot of other interesting and friendly campers. They become fast friends with the people in their cabin and their activities.

6. It challenges their fears.

Whether it's climbing to the top of the challenge course or riding a horse, your child will get to conquer a fear of theirs in a safe environment.

7. They are introduced to new activities.

All summer camps have a variety of activities including horseback riding, archery, challenge course, fishing, and tons of other activities.

8. They are disconnected from technology and the outside world.

They may be upset about it at first since our youth is so attached to their phones these days, but going one week without their phone will help them not only become better friends with their cabin mates, but to really appreciate and immerse themselves in all the activities going on.

9. They will develop leadership skills.

They are given the chance to lead within their cabin and their activities and develop confidence in their leadership skills.

10. Camp encourages personal growth.

Between becoming a better leader, conquering their fears, and becoming more independent, your child will go through some noticable personal growth.

11. They have fun!

This summer is my 15th summer to spend at my summer camp and I can honestly say that going to summer camp has impacted me in each of these ways and so many more. Each summer just gets better and more fun and I'm not even sure how that's possible but it's totally true.