Have you thought about sending your child to camp?
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EmailYouth of all ages can benefit from attending day or overnight camps.
Late winter and early spring are great times to consider sending your child to a camp in the summer. Camping experiences are great for youth of all ages – have you thought about sending your child to camp?
There are many fulfilling camp experiences that can match both your time availability and your child’s interests. Day camps – typically running five to six hours and often including a lunch break – are a great option for younger children, especially those under age 10. These camps allow youth to explore a variety of topics in a short, engaging format.
As youth get older, they may be ready for an overnight camp experience. Overnight camps offer expanded learning opportunities, independence-building experiences, and the chance to develop deeper friendships and skills in a residential setting.
One type of camp that is very popular in Michigan is sports camps. This weeklong camp experience focuses on a specific sport, such as tennis, golf, basketball or volleyball. Both overnight and day camp settings are available for youth interested in sports camps.
For youth interested in a camp setting where they can experience the outdoors and nature, Michigan 4-H Youth Development has programs in many different counties. At 4-H camps, youth learn by doing and develop life skills through specific learning projects. These camps are usually three to four days long and may offer programs such as craft making, nature education, hiking, water sports, shooting sports, line dancing and a whole lot more. This type of camp is a great introduction for young people who want to get involved in the 4-H program for the following year. One outdoor education overnight-camp available through Michigan State University Extension’s 4-H program is 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp.
A pre-college program can also offer a camp-like, overnight experience that gives youth a taste of life beyond high school. These programs typically take place on university campuses, though they may also be held at other educational or residential facilities. Their primary goal is to help young people explore post-secondary education options, develop independence, and prepare for future academic or career pathways. MSU Extension provides several high-quality pre-college experiences for youth, including 4-H Exploration Days and 4-H Capitol Experience.
To find out if your county has a 4-H camp offered this summer, contact your county MSU office. If your county is interested in hosting a county summer camp, consider a two or three day 4-H livestock or horse camp or clinic, which could be held at local fairgrounds. This experience would help strengthen the partnership between your local fair board and 4‑H clubs through meaningful collaboration.
No matter what kind of camping adventure they experience, camps allow youth to learn skills such as decision-making, independence, citizenship, character building and a whole lot more. Consider enrolling your child in a summer camp for an experience that will benefit them the rest of their life.
