By Jill Levin
“The greatest things we can give our children are roots and wings.” – W. Hodding Carter II.
As parents, one of our deepest desires is to offer our children a sense of security, love and belonging – the strong roots that allow them to feel grounded and confident in the world. But we must also give them wings – the freedom to explore, learn and grow beyond the familiar. In parenthood we must strike a delicate balance between nurturing our children’s roots and allowing them to spread their wings, take risks and experience life in new and exciting ways.
One of the most powerful ways to give your child those wings is by encouraging them to attend an overnight camp or participate in a specialized overnight summer program. These experiences aren’t just a way for children to fill a few weeks of summer; they are transformative experiences that often stay with them for a lifetime.
While it might feel difficult to send your child away for an extended period, being at an overnight summer camp or program offers them a chance to grow and develop in ways they simply can’t replicate at home. It’s a chance to discover themselves, to build resilience and to develop key life skills that will serve them as they mature into adulthood.
Here’s how an overnight camp or summer program can be incredibly impactful to your child:
- Build Life Skills & Independence: Being away from home challenges children to take responsibility for themselves in new ways. They learn to make decisions, solve programs and manage daily routines on their own. These experiences help them grow into more independent, confident individuals.
- Create Lifelong Friendships: Overnight camp or summer programs bring children together from all walks of life. By sharing experiences in a close-knit community, kids forge deep and meaningful connections that can last long after the summer ends. These friendships can help shape their social skills, teach them empathy and enrich their lives in the years to come.
- Encourage Creativity & Expression: Many summer programs offer opportunities for self-expression and creativity – whether it’s through the arts, sports or other activities. These experiences give children the chance to try new things, build confidence in their abilities and tap into creative outlets they may not have otherwise explored.
- Provide a Chance to Unplug from Technology: In today’s digital age, it’s becoming increasingly rare for children to take a break from screens. Summer camp offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the constant buss of technology and engage in the world around them – connecting with nature, their peers and themselves in a way that’s often impossible in the midst of everyday distractions.
Let me help you find the perfect overnight camp or teen program for your child’s personality, interests and needs. I’m here to guide you in making this incredible decision that will foster growth, independence and joy for your child or teen.
Many camps and teen programs fill up quickly. Reach out to me and together we’ll ensure that your child experiences all the wonderful opportunities the right summer program can offer!
Jill Levin is an advisor with Tips on Trips and Camps (TipsonTripsandCamps.com). “Tips on Trips” is a FREE advisory service that helps families find quality overnight summer programs for children and teens, ages 7 – 18+. In her 26 years as a Tips Advisor, Jill has helped thou