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Health & Fitness

'Y' Go to Camp?

Kim Kiser, Vice President of Camping, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, explains the value (and fun!) in sending your child to camp.

From Kim Kiser, Vice President of Camping, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

 

Children who attend camp gain not only a summer of fun and learning, but also an experience that will benefit them for a lifetime. According to a study by the American Camp Association, children who participate in camps gain self-esteem, independence and leadership skills. Among a packed schedule of crafts, swimming, sports, outdoor activities, talent shows and more, they become more confident and better develop their social skills to communicate and make friends… without even realizing it!

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  • Self-Esteem. 92% of campers felt more confident after camp and gained self-esteem because they made genuine contributions and had successful experiences.

 

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  • Leadership. Camp gives young people responsibilities causing them to gain leadership skills and experience leadership growth long after camp is over.

 

  • Social Skills. Camp creates a culture of acceptance and minimal pressure that fosters confidence in meeting new people.

 

  • Friendship. The relationships built at camp break down stereotypes and build respectful, trusting friendships.

 

  • Positive Values. Parents of campers found that when their children returned from camp that the campers values and decision-making skills grew better over the six month period after camp.

 

  • Sense of Adventure. Camp promotes an environment of trying new things and learning skills that make campers more eager to explore and experience the outdoors.

 

Camp allows children to learn these powerful life lessons – but it’s fun, too! Learn more about Y camps at www.ymcachicago.org/programs/camps.

 

Kim Kiser has more than 37 years of camp experience serving as counselor, unit director, program director, executive director, past president of the American Camp Association Illinois Section and now in her role of vice president of camping for the Y of Metro Chicago.

 

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About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago: The Y is Chicagoland’s leading nonprofit strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Through its 65 locations and more than 100 extension sites, the Y of Metro Chicago helps children learn and grow, teaches young people to lead, brings families closer, and encourages individual health and wellbeing. As one of the largest and oldest/most established cause-driven organizations/nonprofits in Chicago, YMCA programs impact hundreds of thousands of lives annually, helping to strengthen neighborhoods and respond to unique community needs across Chicagoland. To learn more, visitwww.ymcachicago.org.

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