Is Summer Camp Worth the Money?

Summer Camp began yesterday at Sequoia’s Treehouse and The Farm, so now is as good a time as any to address the #1 question raised by parents about summer camp: is it worth the money?

Camp has become a part of the fabric of America.  When children go to camp, they’ll likely come home gushing about the lifelong friends they’ve made, and the exciting adventures they had.  What they probably won’t tell you about are the many life lessons camp has given them.  For more than 150 years, camp has been changing lives.  Camp is full of fun and excitement, but it is so much more—developing children who are better equipped to lead in the twenty-first century with skills such as independence, empathy, the ability to work as part of a team, and a broader world view.

Camp is a natural extension of the classroom. Research indicates that by participating in strategically planned, structured summer experiences, children reduce summer learning loss.  Camp challenges children, keeps them engaged, develops creativity and their talents, and expands their horizons.

In a poll of parents, these opinions about camp are worth noting.

• My child gained self-confidence at camp.  (70%)
• My child continues to participate in some of the new activities he or she learned at camp.  (63%)
• My child remains in contact with friends made at camp. (69%)

In answer to the question at the beginning of this article, yes, we believe camp is definitely worth it.

Sequoia’s Treehouse