Why Summer camp is perfect for kids who struggle at school
If your child has had a hard time at school this year, you may be tempted to spend the summer focusing on academics. Maybe you’re planning summer school or a tutor or worksheets at home. I understand the concern and maybe even a little panic about trying to get your kiddo up to speed with school and not lose ground over the summer.
Sure, make use of those programs, but how about we add another idea in there too? Summer camp. I believe that kids who struggle in school can especially benefit from camp! I’ll get to why, but first, let’s look at how to find a good match for camp.
How to find the right summer camp?
Summer camp can be overnight or day camp, short or long in length. No matter what it looks like, there are so many options for fun and meaningful experiences.
Look for activities that interest your child. There’s a camp for practically any interest. There are specialty camps that focus on one activity like drama or coding, and others that offer a whole buffet of activity options like archery or crafts or outdoor games.
Are they excited to be away from home or would they prefer to sleep at home and do a day program? If they want to try sleep-away camp, how long feel like the right length?
Does your child have specific needs that must be met? Some camps have supports available for campers who need a little assistance to be successful. Sometimes that’s through an inclusion program, but ask around for programs that will work with your kids needs. There are also whole camps that focus on unique populations such as kids with ASD or learning disabilities or those with diabetes. Don’t assume that your child with a specific need won’t be able to attend a camp as there’s likely one out there that fits the bill!
Find a high-quality program by asking around. Are there parent groups - online, for your school, in your faith community - you could ask? The American Camp Association is a great source of information on accredited camps.
If cost is an issue, know that most camps offer financial assistance. Just ask!
There’s so much for them to learn and gain at summer camp (can you tell I’m a big fan?). Here are my top 5 reasons summer camp rocks.
Why is summer camp so great for struggling kids?
Kids who struggle in school get A LOT of negative feedback. They are graded, corrected, and told their work or behavior isn’t good enough on the regular so it’s no surprise they often don’t feel very successful. Let’s let them have what I call a Vacation From Failure. It’s a pretty simple concept - let them have experiences where they can shine, where their learning or brain wiring differences don’t hold them back from succeeding and having fun.
Learning new things. Even if your camp doesn’t have a specific academic component (some do!). Outdoor camps offer endless opportunities to learn about all things science through exploration. Adventure opportunities allow for leadership and decision making skill development. Sports teach problem solving and teamwork. Living in a community builds social skills and personal responsibility. Learning happens in every little part of summer camp.
Positive experiences with peers. Kids who struggle at school sometimes also struggle with peer social relationships. Summer camp is all about relationships so there are plenty of opportunities to grow in this area. Counselors focus heavily on community building, working through conflict when it comes up, and making sure all campers feel supported and have a good experience.
Different learning styles. By nature, camp learning happens in all different ways. So this is perfect for meeting a lot of different learning needs and styles. Your kiddo learn best through hands-on activities? Camp is full of them from crafts to games to building to drama. Music, singing, performing, these all bring opportunities to learn in different ways.
Movement and a break from routine. Exercise is baked into most camp experiences so it’s easy to get kids up and moving. This kind of “heavy work” is also super helpful for kids who need sensory input too! Doing things in a new way, with different activities, a break from technology use and their daily routine - these all bring learning and fun.
My own kids have always loved summer camps. It’s such a joy to see them learning and growing through these unique experiences. Especially after a difficult school year, it is so heartening to see them walk a little taller, have a little more confidence, and smile a little wider after a positive time at summer camp. It sets them up for a fresh start to the next school year too! Every child deserves to feel successful and summer camp is one more way we can help that happen for these kids.
