Summer is the time for fun, relaxing and camp! It might seem like summer is better when there is no structure and you can do whatever you want, but that gets boring quickly. Summer camps are the perfect cure for that! Being a part of a summer camp is beneficial for everyone involved. Parents, staff, helpers and the kids all enjoy the benefits. Here are 11 reasons why summer camp will change everyone for the better.

1. Friendships

Being a part of summer camps introduces kids to a wide variety of others that they might not get introduced to at school.

2. Pen-pals

After you make those friendships, they might not be from where you are, which creates a wonderful opportunity to practice your writing skills and keep in touch with your new friend!

3. Memories

The memories made at summer camps will last forever. My best friend and I attended the same summer camp during our childhood. Ten years later, we still talk about it every summer and sometimes go back to visit.

4. Learning

Summer camps aren’t just for having fun. They are great learning opportunities. They can be structured as extracurricular summer learning, but even if they aren’t, valuable life skills are learned.

5. A Way to Stave Off Boredom

As I mentioned before, having nothing to actually do all summer can drive a person crazy. There are only so many things you can do in your house or backyard. Having a camp to go to can provide a welcome break from being cooped up at the house.

6. Kids say the weirdest things.

After I got too old to attend summer camps, I couldn’t help going back. I volunteered at the same camp I attended as a kid, and now I get paid to help at them. Working with the kids and getting to know them leads to you hearing them say the weirdest and funniest things.

7. Extra Money

Since most camps are only during the day, you can work at the camp and then work at your night job, too. And who doesn’t like a little extra money and fun?

8. Structured Fun

Impromptu ball games organized with the kids on your block are fun. But, sometimes it’s nice to have some structure to your game time.

9. Adult Friendships

Making friends doesn’t only apply to the kids. Sometimes, the staff has just as much fun with each other as the kids do. Since we are adults, the fun doesn’t always have to stop after the camp ends.

10. A Break from the Kids

Parents, we all know you love your kids. But when you are used to them being at school half the day being around them all day is a little bit of an adjustment. Summer camps can be there perfect, constructive break for you and them.

11. Creating well-rounded kids.

In addition to learning, having fun in the sun and making memories, summer camps create well-rounded little ones. Social skills and communicating with others are perfected. Kids are challenged and learn how to keep trying and work hard.