Camp May Have Something to Do with Raising Happy Campers

Whether you’re wrecking your brain planning activities to keep the kids busy this summer or are kicking around the idea of a sleep-away camp, count down the top 10 reasons why your child’s summer schedule should include camp, according to the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington.

10. Fitness becomes fun – While at camp, kids are moving! Whether it’s the Hip Hop & Funk camp, rock-climbing or learning to hula-hoop, the activities will challenge their bodies and minds.

9. Unplug from technology – School is out and so are iPads, cell phones and the Internet. Camp is a time to meet new people face-to-face!

8. Gain life-long skills – “I did this, and my friend did that ...” You’ll love hearing their stories! Camp is so fun, they don’t even realize they’re gaining new skills!

7. Become more self-reliant – Camp experiences empower children to think on their own, make their own choices and communicate their needs and wants.

6. Try something new – Who doesn’t love stepping out of your comfort zone and succeeding? Camp is the chance to do that and more!

5. Learning is reinforced – No sense in letting kids fall behind academically during the summer months. By surrounding young minds with great activities, their minds remain engaged and ready to learn.

4. Keep out of trouble – Actively supervising kids is no easy task, but camp counselors are not there to watch. They engage campers, become mentors and friends (and sometimes heroes!)

3. Become resilient – Everyone, especially children, needs that inner strength to say “let me try that again.” When in an environment that fosters safety and acceptance, children will naturally allow themselves to blossom.

2. Practice being a part of the team – Everyone enjoys being around a team player – at camp or in life!

1. Get to be kids – It’s a natural! These days will quickly become a thing of the past, leaving behind memories. Whether it’s a sleep-away camp where beating

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homesickness was a critical step on the way to independence or day camp where your child meets a new best friend, the experience is bound to be priceless!

At the YMCA, children, ages 3 – 15, find themselves energized through more than 70 camp options, ranging from aquatic, to air and space, to beauty school camp and everything in between. Registration is easy, camp locations are plentiful, and hours of operation are convenient for parents. For more information, visit http://ymcadc.org/selectionCamp.cfm

Help to make summer happy for a child in need by making a donation at ycampgift.org. After all, every child deserves a summer to look back on as a special time in their childhood. Great things happen when kids go to camp!

ABOUT THE YMCA OF METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We’ve been connecting and supporting men, women and children in Greater Washington for 160 years regardless of age, income or background. Anchored in Washington, DC, southern MD, and northern VA, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington creates a positive difference in the lives of more than 200,000 people each year through its 17 branches and program centers. We have the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Visit www.ymcadc.org or follow us at www.facebook.com/ymcadc.