The Benefits of Sending Your Scout to Summer Camp

As a parent in Scouting, you want your Scout to thrive in the outdoors. You want to inspire their sense of adventure, help them make new friends or strengthen their bonds with old ones, and challenge them in ways that will help them grow into their very best selves, all while creating wonderful memories. That's why you should consider sending them to summer camp. Summer camp provides a unique opportunity for Scouts to learn, grow, and have fun in the great outdoors. Here are ten beneficial reasons why you should send your Scouts to summer camp.

Troop 8038G will be travelling to two different summer camps in 2025. June 8-14 we will visit Camp Buck Toms in Tennessee. This is a 600+ person camp and is best suited for experienced campers. July 6-12 we will visit Camp Lewallen in Missouri. This is a much smaller camp and offers an exceptional experience for newer campers. Your Scoutmaster will help you register your scout and get them signed up for merit badge classes.

10 Reasons Why You Should Send Your Scout to Summer Camp

1. Develop independence

2. Learn new skills

3. Make new friends

4. Build self-esteem

5. Foster teamwork

6. Develop social skills

7. Unplug from technology

8. Have fun

9. Improve physical health

10. Develop a sense of community

1. Develop independence - Summer camp provides Scouts with the opportunity to develop independence. They will be away from home and have to make decisions on their own. This experience will help them become more confident and self-sufficient.

2. Learn new skills - From swimming to archery to crafts, summer camp offers a wide range of activities that your Scout will enjoy. Scouts will have the opportunity to learn new skills and discover new interests at their own pace.

3. Make new friends - Camp is a great place for Scouts to make new friends from different parts of the country. Scouts will be surrounded by other kids close to their age who share their interests and passions.

4. Build self-esteem - Summer camp is a safe and supportive environment where Scouts can build self-esteem. They will be encouraged to try new things and take risks, which will help them feel more confident in themselves.

Canoeing is just one of many fun activities Scouts can do at summer camp

5. Foster teamwork - Teamwork is an essential part of life, and in the workforce, good teamwork helps build effective organizations. Summer camp provides Scouts with the opportunity to work together as a team doing fun activities and age-appropriate challenges. They will have to rely on each other to complete tasks and achieve goals.

6. Develop social skills - The best way for your Scout to build their social skills is by being around other Scouts. Summer camp is a social environment where Scouts will have to interact with others. This experience will help them develop social skills and learn how to communicate effectively.

7. Unplug from technology - Although technology is an everyday part of our lives and understanding how to use it properly can have a tremendous impact on learning and productivity, kids still need to spend time outdoors in order to find the right balance. Summer camp is a great opportunity for Scouts to unplug from technology. They will be able to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature.

8. Have fun - Summer camp is all about having fun! Scouts will have the opportunity to try new things, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Some of the summer camp activities that are popular include hiking, canoeing, swimming, cooking, and more. It's a great time for Scouts to try new activities or improve on the ones they already like to do.

9. Improve physical health - Summer camp provides Scouts with the opportunity to be physically active. They will be able to participate in a variety of activities that will help them improve their physical health.

10. Develop a sense of community - When you're a member of the Scouting America, you're not only part of one of the oldest Scouting organizations in the world, you belong to a caring community. Summer camp is where Scouts will feel like they belong, and a place they can feel welcome and accepted. They will develop a sense of community and learn the importance of helping others.