Why All Kids Need Summer Camp

During the summer, many parents struggle to find meaningful and engaging activities for their children. With the prevalence of technology and the fast-paced nature of modern life, it can be challenging to steer kids away from screens and provide them with opportunities for personal growth and development. ​

Finding activities that foster independence, social skills, physical activity, and a connection with nature can be a daunting task for parents. Summer camps can be a great solution, offering a structured environment where children can learn, grow, and form lasting friendships while engaging in a variety of enriching experiences.

Summer camp is more than just a seasonal pastime; it’s a transformative experience that offers children opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive outside the traditional classroom setting. 
In today’s fast-paced world, where technology often dominates a child’s life, summer camps provide a much-needed break from screens and a chance to reconnect with nature, develop essential life skills, and build lasting friendships.

Benefits Of Camp For Children This Summer

1) Summer Camp Helps Kids Foster Independence And Self-Confidence

One of the most significant benefits of summer camp is the development of independence and self-confidence. Away from the familiarity of home, children are encouraged to make decisions, solve problems, and manage their daily routines independently. This environment fosters:

• Decision-Making Skills: Campers learn to make choices about activities, meals, and social interactions, which enhances their decision-making abilities.
• Self-Reliance: Managing their own belongings, staying organized, and following a schedule boosts their self-reliance.
• Confidence Building: Successfully navigating new experiences and challenges increases their confidence.

2) Summer Camp Helps Kids Develop Social Skills And Friendships

Summer camps provide a unique social environment where children can form friendships outside of their usual school or neighborhood circles. These relationships are often built on shared interests and collaborative activities, promoting:

• Teamwork: Many camp activities require working together and fostering teamwork and cooperation.
• Communication: Campers develop better communication skills through group discussions and activities.
• Conflict Resolution: Living in close quarters teaches children how to manage and resolve conflicts effectively.

3) Summer Camp Helps Kids Participate In Physical Activity

In an age where sedentary lifestyles are becoming the norm, summer camps offer a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. Camps provide numerous opportunities for physical activity, which is crucial for a child’s overall health and well-being. Benefits include:

• Increased Physical Fitness: Regular participation in outdoor games, sports, and adventure activities boosts physical fitness.
• Healthy Habits: Camps often emphasize healthy eating and active living, instilling lifelong healthy habits.
• Mental Health Benefits: Physical activity in a natural setting has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health.

4) Summer Camp Helps Kids Connect With Nature

Nature-deficit disorder is a growing concern as children spend less time outdoors. Summer camps address this issue by immersing kids in nature. This connection with the natural world fosters:

• Environmental Awareness: Campers learn about conservation and the importance of protecting our environment.
• Appreciation of Nature: Experiencing the beauty of the outdoors firsthand instills a deep appreciation for nature.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation: Time spent in nature promotes mindfulness and relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety.

5) Summer Camp Helps Kids Develop New Skills And Interests

Camps are a breeding ground for new interests and hobbies. With a wide range of activities available, children can explore and develop new skills in areas they might not encounter in their everyday lives. These activities might include:

• Arts and Crafts: Creativity is encouraged through various art projects.
• Sports: From soccer to swimming, there are countless sports to try.
• Outdoor Activities: Camps often have a plethora of outdoor activities meant for adventure and team building.

The Long-Term Benefits Of Summer Camp For Kids

In addition to helping your kids have a great summer this year, summer camp provides lifelong benefits. 


1) Lifelong Friendships
The friendships made at summer camp often last a lifetime. These bonds are formed through shared experiences and mutual support, creating a strong foundation for enduring relationships.

2) Enhanced Academic Performance
The skills and habits developed at camp can translate into improved academic performance. Increased confidence, better social skills, and a greater sense of independence all contribute to a child’s success in school.

3) Career And Life Skills
The diverse experiences at summer camp help children develop important life and career skills, such as:

• Leadership: Taking on leadership roles in camp activities helps build leadership skills.
• Problem-Solving: Camp activities often require creative problem-solving, a valuable skill in any career.
• Adaptability: Navigating new environments and challenges increases adaptability and resilience.

Mount Shepherd: A Summer Camp In Asheboro, NC

Mount Shepherd is a community that restores souls, strengthens hearts, and transforms lives. This mission is achieved through our summer camps and retreat programs. see below for more information.


Mount Shepherd’s Activities And Programs

We offer a variety of programs to suit every child's interests and needs:

• High Ropes Course: Our multi-level high ropes course, constructed in 2016, challenges participants with rope ladders and 12 unique events, culminating in a thrilling freefall using HeadRush Quickjump devices.
• Team Building Course: The Low Ropes Challenge Course focuses on teamwork and group dynamics, offering rewarding experiences for both adults and children.
• Pond Activities: Our 2.5-acre pond features an inflatable trampoline, a 100' Wet Willie Water Slide, a zip line, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.
• Hiking: Explore several miles of trails, including a popular hike to the top of Shepherd Mountain, the highest point in the county, with an observation tower offering panoramic views.
• Fishing: Enjoy fishing in our stocked pond, featuring catfish, bass, and brim, with poles available for rent.
• GaGa Ball: Engage in fast-paced and competitive games of GaGa ball in our synthetic turf pit.
• Campout: Experience rustic campsites, including an A-Frame shelter situated atop a beautiful ridge in the woods.

Our Experienced Staff
Our experienced and dedicated staff are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all campers. They are trained to guide and mentor children, helping them navigate the challenges and joys of camp life.

Sign Up For Mount Shepherd This SummerSummer camp is an invaluable experience that every child should have the opportunity to enjoy. From building independence and confidence to fostering friendships and a love for nature, the benefits are endless. At Mount Shepherd, we are passionate about creating an environment where children can thrive and discover their full potential.

Discover how your child can benefit from the transformative experience of summer camp at Mount Shepherd. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help your child grow, learn, and have the summer of a lifetime in Asheboro, North Carolina.​