Camp: Helping Kids Build Resilience
Summer camp does a world of good for kids. One of those good things includes helping children develop coping strategies when faced with life challenges. One example of a challenge experienced at camp is successfully conquering a difficult hike when they thought they could not do it. In an article written by Michael Ungar, who has a Ph.D in Nurturing Resilience, it mentions 7 things camps provide to help children develop great coping strategies.
New relationships, not just with peers, but with trusted adults other than parents.
A powerful identity that makes the child feel confident in front of others.
Camps help children feel in control of their lives.
Camps make sure that all children are treated fairly.
At camp kids get what they need to develop physically. Ideally, fresh air, exercise, a balance between routine and unstructured time, and all the good food their bodies need.
Camps offer kids a chance to feel like they belong.
Camps offer children a better sense of their culture.
“Summer Camps Make Kids Resilient”
By: Michael Ungar, Ph.D in Nurturing Resilience
Published February 5, 2012