Wrap Up the Perfect Gift-Camp!

by Peg L. Smith

What if you could wrap self-confidence, a sense of independence, and every good thing you would wish for your child and tie it with a bow as your gift this holiday season? Although that's a fanciful idea, you can give your child those intangible treasures just as you would give him or her the most "in" plaything. This year, for the holidays, you can give the gift of camp.

Camp is a gift that's truly interactive. In a safe and nurturing environment, camp enhances campers' social skills through group activities and the chance to make new friends. Because camp is for everyone, children and teens have the opportunity to meet and interact with peers from outside their school environment, allowing them to expand their horizons and be themselves in an inclusive community. Through activities that promote sharing and teamwork, camp provides experiences for children and teens to learn compassion and commitment to larger goals.

The best toys and games help children learn, and camp is no exception. With organized and intentional programs, camp can supplement formal education with a balance of experiential learning programs that are physical, emotional, and social. Camps that specialize in a myriad of activities are on the rise. Computers, performing arts, marine biology, filmmaking, cooking, medical training – all of these interests are programs that are currently offered by camps. Whatever your child or teen's interest, there's probably a camp somewhere that can address his or her special career interest or hobby.

There aren't many presents that can increase a child's self-esteem, but camp can and does offer that opportunity. At camp, children experience successes that promote self-confidence and future academic growth. Camp creates experiential learning through exploration and discovery. Independent research published by the American Camp Association® (ACA) shows that parents and camp staff, as well as children, report significant growth in several areas, including leadership, independence, social comfort, and values and decisions.

No matter what the weather at the holidays, a gift of summer camp gives your child or teen the opportunity to enjoy, appreciate, and care for the natural world. Because of the special environment at camp, children have fun learning about themselves and the natural world. It also gives them a chance to be "unplugged." More and more experts are demonstrating the value of time spent in nature for children – and camp is a perfect place to do that.

Better than a new piece of sports gear, camp provides the opportunity for children to stay physically active. With concerns about children's health and childhood obesity, there has never been a better time for a camp experience for kids. Camp programs have traditionally offered – and continue to offer – physical activities and sports that enhance health and teach self-confidence. From kayaking to swimming to challenge and ropes courses, camp is the ultimate outdoor sports experience.

Unlike clothing that can go out of style and simply may not be the right size, camp is a gift that suits virtually every child. Does your child enjoy drawing and painting? Would your younger child benefit from a day camp experience? Are you looking for a special cultural focus or affiliation for your child? Last year, more than 10 million children and teens benefited from a camp experience, and there are many options to choose from. ACA accredits over 2,400 day and resident camps in the United States, and all can be found in a searchable database at www.CampParents.org.

ACA accreditation assures families that the camp they are considering for their child has had an independent safety audit of up to 300 standards for health, safety, and programming. You and your child can search for just the right camp based on choices such as budget, location, gender, age, and special programs. At www.CampParents.org, you'll also find a convenient "Give the Gift of Camp" gift certificate that you can wrap and present to your favorite child.

As you consider all the possible gifts you can give your children or grandchildren this holiday season, maybe one of the most precious ones is a gift that makes memories. Camp is an experience for a lifetime that your child will cherish. Doesn't camp sound like one of the best gifts you could possibly give?

© 2007 American Camping Association, Inc.

Peg L. Smith is the chief executive officer of the American Camp Association® (ACA), with nearly three decades of experience working with children, youth, and families.