In an era where kids are addicted to screens, bombarded by social media, and overloaded with academic pressures, the opportunity to disconnect is increasingly rare. Summer camp, particularly overnight camp, not only offers the opportunity to revel in an immersive, awe-inspiring, mood-boosting experience of nature, but also fosters greater independence, resilience, persistence, confidence, community, and deep social connections. Given today’s challenges, camp may be more crucial than ever.

The state of camp in America

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 58 million students are actively enrolled in primary and secondary schools. The American Camp Association (ACA) reports that more than 15,000 year-round and summer camps in the U.S. annually serve a whopping 26 million campers. 

“Our mission is to empower camps to create quality experiences that build a world of belonging and growth for all,” says Tom Rosenberg, President and CEO of the ACA. The ACA accredits organizations nationwide, focusing on health, safety, and risk management. “We are an educational resource for all types of organized camp programs.”

According to the ACA, 96% of campers reported that camp helped them make new friends, 92% said that camp helped them feel better about themselves, and 74% said that camp helped them try activities they were initially afraid to do.

Many summer camps offer classic, recreational, outdoor activities like campfires, crafts, and canoeing. But in addition, “Today [camp] is really thought about as an essential developmental experience for every young person,” says Rosenberg, adding that camp provides crucial out-of-school time for year-round whole child education, “and all kinds of developmental benefits that really set them up for success when they’re back in the classroom.”

Camp fosters developmental growth that lasts well into adulthood. The benefits extend to camp counselors and adults who attend camps for grownups.

Phone down. People up 

In iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy–and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood, Dr. Jean Twenge, Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University, writes about how smartphones negatively impact today’s youth. Camp can be an antidote.

In an age of digital saturation, camp is one of the few places kids can be immersed in the restorative power of nature that significantly enhances mental and physical health. It also offers genuine human connection and personal growth.

“When kids went back to school after the pandemic subsided, you saw kids who had developmental delays and academic delays. “They didn’t know how to form social connections with their peers,” says Rosenberg. In a newly automated, AI-driven economy, “The most valuable thing we can offer our young people as they grow up is human skills that can’t be replicated by automation.”

Also, in the era of online disinformation, kids can pretend to be anybody they want to be. “Camp is a place where you figure out who you are in person; live, authentic, real, and then you form real relationships and practice that skill every day, all day, for weeks.”

Camp can strengthen character and virtues 

On the first night of camp, Rosenberg says that the counselors often ask what everyone could do to make it a wonderful experience. In 10-year-old lingo, he says kids share things like: “We’re going to work together every day for cabin cleanup,” “We’re going to share,” “We’re going to behave,” “We’re going to treat each other nicely,” “When we make a mistake, we’re going to apologize,” “Everyone has to agree to go to bed at the same time, or we won’t get to go to sleep, so after a little bit of flashlight time, lights-out,” “We won’t use bad language,” “When you’re having a tough day, I’m going to be your friend, I’m going to help you. We’ll get through it together. And on my tough days, I know I can count on you.” 

“And that’s just learning how to be a part of a city or a town or a community,” says Rosenberg, adding that this teaches civic virtues, including collaboration and service. “They’re learning to be civil to one another. Even when they’re angry, they’re learning to make compromises. They’re learning that this community won’t survive if we don’t all do our part.” 

Rosenberg says there are also opportunities to grow in intellectual, moral, and performance virtues. For intellectual virtues, including curiosity, discernment, reasoning, and resourcefulness, “The critical thinking that happens in camp is profound. You have the opportunity to make good, smart decisions because your parents are not there to tell you, ‘Don’t do that’…You reflect and you become more curious,” says Rosenberg. This fosters independence and self-esteem.

With moral virtues you learn compassion, gratitude, respect for one another, honesty, open-mindedness, and appreciation of differences. “You learn to be humble,” says Rosenberg. “There are some hard things. And so, you learn to be courageous.” 

Indeed, whether it’s dealing with homesickness, being away from friend groups, conflict, stepping outside of your comfort zone, you keep trying until you get better—building performance virtues such as perseverance, resilience, and grit. Kids learn that they can overcome challenges. This includes building confidence, teamwork, determination, and motivation.

Camp counselors, often young adults, also learn valuable skills, such as leadership, team building, workforce development, conflict management, and inclusivity. “Every camp emphasizes different activities, virtues, and values,” says Rosenberg.

A sense of belonging

Nila Rosen is the Director of Learning & Research at Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC), an umbrella organization for 300 day and overnight Jewish camps. “Each of these camps has their own approach to cultural, religious, and spiritual elements,” says Rosen. “And yet they all share things in common such as Shabbat, and they are organizations that are committed to building positive Jewish identity for youth.”

FJC initiatives, like Yedid Nefesh, meaning “beloved soul,” aim to help camp staff support mental, emotional, spiritual, and social health. Another, the Character at Camp Initiative, focuses on relational strengths such as kindness, empathy, inclusion, and teamwork.

Rosen mentions the Jewish tradition of Mussar, “a guide for spiritual development focusing on awareness, wisdom, and personal transformation.” The concept of Tikkun Olam—acknowledging the world’s brokenness and our responsibility to repair it—also plays a role.

“Unique elements of being at a Jewish camp include a common identity, shared values, and ancient rituals like Shabbat and music. When you’re in that circle of Shabbat, it’s like a goosebump feeling. You’re tapping into something bigger than yourself, and you feel connected to everyone there,” Rosen shares. “These Jewish camps exist on a foundation of belonging, and that makes them really strong.”

Finding the camp for you 

“Camp is a great vehicle for all kinds of skill development,” says Rosenberg. Indeed, all kinds of camps exist. There’s NASA’s Space Camp, faith development camps, camps that focus on technology, singing, tennis, band, cooking, crafts, cooking, and music. There are health-related camps, such as Camp Kesem, that support children through and beyond their parent’s cancer. There are camps for adults, such as Camp No Counselors, and camps specifically for seniors.

Not every child has access to summer camp, unfortunately, and cost is a concern for most parents. Resources like Find a Camp and How to Afford Camp help navigate the opportunities and constraints that each family faces.

“In terms of financial aid, the first place you should look is the camp you think is right for your kids or yourself. Ask them if they have financial aid. Almost all camps offer some form of financial aid, whether it’s a sliding scale fee or scholarship dollars,” Rosenberg explains, adding it’s important to start looking early for the camp for your child. “Day camps are also eligible for the child independent care tax credit.”

Before choosing a camp, Rosenberg suggests that you confirm the camp is accredited with the ACA and ask a lot of questions: “Ask the camp directors about the training they provide. How they help when your child is having a tough day, how they deal with bullies, and how they deal with homesickness? “A good, accredited camp will have answers to those questions.” 

Whether it’s a child experiencing camp for the first time or an adult rediscovering its magic, camp can offer a sanctuary for positive human development and connection, fostering life-enhancing experiences. Ready, set, go!

Alene Dawson is a Southern California-based writer known for her intelligent and popular features, cover stories, interviews, and award-winning publications. She’s a regular contributor to the LA Times.

Get to know more of the experts behind your favorite articles on Templeton Ideas. Meet our authors here.