Do summer camps help kids or not really?

Question

I am a SAHM with a 9 yr old. She is happy to be home all day in summer- reading books, playing in the backyard, going for walks in nearby hills, going to the park, library, and swimming lessons & playing with 5 yr old brother & friends. She never whines "I am bored". We also go camping 3-4 times and couple 3 day short vacations.

I'd like her to try out 1 or 2 one-week 1/2 day camps in the summer-arts&craft, science, dance, sports or ANYTHING she'd like.

She says no. Her school year is fairly busy, and no time to try out new stuff, and will be even busier in 4th grade next year.

I can't wait till the summer and then enroll her if she gets bored, as camps in our area fill by early April.

In the past, I have enrolled her myself, she has gone after a little cajoling and enjoyed herself a lot. Do camps really help? Do kids need them? Shld I again convince her or save money and energy this year??

Answer 1

i find that summer camps can be good for kids socially, but they're completely not necessary.   the ones really getting helped by summer camps are the parents.

Answer 2

Even if she says she doesn't want to go you should send her. It's a great way for her to make friends and get life experience. She may feel scared or anxious or even uncomfortable about it now, and even up to the morning of the first day, but the chances of her ending up having a good experience are about 90%. She will get to interact with kids her own age, and make friends that she otherwise would not have made. I say send her!

Answer 3

If she's happy not to do them and isn't getting bored without one then why should you force her to do something she doesn't want to do?

Answer 4

I am a leader at a camp in the UK. Kids as young as 3 come to our camps and every single person loves the experiance. This summer I am looking after 8-12 year olds and we do all sorts from games to rock climbing and go carting and arts and crafts. Summer camp is a great way to spend the summer. You said she has been before and loved it, and you also said it will be half days, therefore she can still spend time with you, and maybe   have some of her new friends round in the afternoons. I love camp!

Answer 5

She ill love it once she gets there I am about to send my daughter ti a 3 day camp,and she is excited,so send her to one of those and if she likes it send her to summer camp,they will let her call home if she is homesick!!

Answer 6

I went to camps in the summer and I always told my mom no I don't want to go but then after going I realized it was so much fun and I remember those memories I made a lot. I think you should encourage her to give it a try!

Answer 7

camps will allow her to have some more social expieriences while school is out she cn also find a new passion at the cmap. several kids do not get out of the house, unlike your child, and camp keeps the mentally and phsyically stimulated

Answer 8

Yes summer camps do really help kids. I have been going to a summer camp for 7 years and have always loved it even though when i was younger  i said that i didnt want to go but i have made a lot of friends that come back every year and it really helped my social skills and comunication it is a wonderful experence.