For many children, overnight camp is their first experience of independence away from their parents or guardians. It can be a thrilling feeling to be in charge of their own decisions and activities for a whole week. They get to make new friends, bond with their cabin mates, and learn how to navigate social situations in a safe and supportive environment.
The range of activities offered at overnight camp is often extensive, allowing children to try new things and challenge themselves. Children can find their passion and develop skills they never knew they had.
Finally, attending a week-long overnight camp can be a transformative experience for children. It can boost their confidence, help them develop independence and resilience, and provide them with memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.
But what does a week of camp look like? What can your child expect out of a week of summer camp? Let’s take a look!
A Glimpse of What Your Child Can Expect in a Week at Camp
Sending your child to summer camp can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. As a parent, you want to ensure that your child has a positive experience while they are away from home. If you’re wondering what to expect during your child’s week at camp, this guide will help give you a general idea of what your child’s week might look like.
Your Child’s Day of Arrival
On arrival day, your child will be greeted by camp staff members who will check them in and show them to their cabin. Your child will meet their cabin mates and start to settle into their new home away from home. The camp staff will give your child a tour of the campgrounds and go over camp rules and safety guidelines.
Activities Your Child May Get to Experience
Campers can expect to participate in a variety of activities throughout the week. Depending on the type of camp, these activities might include sports, swimming, boating, arts and crafts, outdoor adventure, and more.
Campers will be divided into groups based on age and skill level and will rotate through different land and water activities throughout the day.
Meals Your Child Will Enjoy at Summer Camp
Most camps provide meals for their campers, typically three times per day. The meals will be nutritious and balanced, and most camps will accommodate special dietary needs or restrictions. Some camps might even have a snack bar or canteen where campers can purchase snacks or treats.
At camp, mealtime is not just for eating those nutritious meals. In addition to enjoying a great meal at tables assigned to your cabin in the dining hall, you and your friends will have the chance to catch up on the day's activities, sing camp songs, enjoy staff skits, and learn the outcomes of the cabin clean-up competitions.
Cabin Life
A significant part of the camp experience is cabin life. Your child will share a cabin with other campers their age and a counselor who will oversee their activities and ensure their safety. Cabin time might include group games, storytime, and bonding activities to help campers get to know each other better.
More than just a place to sleep, your cabin serves as a home for your camp family. Your cabin will consist of you, other campers your age, counselors, and a counselor-in-training (CIT.) Your cabin will live together, eat meals together, and engage in friendly competition with one another during activities like Cabin Cleaning and Evening Programs throughout your time at camp.
Evening Activities and Programs at Camp
After dinner, campers can look forward to evening activities. These might include campfires, talent shows, scavenger hunts, or movie nights. The evening activities are usually designed to be fun and engaging, allowing campers to relax and socialize with their peers.
Due to the shared experiences offered by these games and activities during the evening program, campers and counselors grow closer. On teams made up of cabins of varying ages, young and old campers can compete in some of the games and activities together as they work toward a shared goal.
Your Camper Will Also Enjoy Free Time During Their Week
Campers will also have some free time to explore the campgrounds and participate in activities of their choosing. This could be playing basketball, going for a hike, or just relaxing and reading a book. Free time allows campers to decompress and recharge for the next activity.
Evening Campfires Are the Best!
A campfire is a classic camp activity that your child is likely to experience. Campfires are typically held in the evening and are a chance for campers to gather around a fire, sing songs, tell stories, and make s’mores. Campfires are often a highlight of the camp experience and are a great opportunity for campers to bond with their cabin mates and counselors.
Spiritual Growth
There may be opportunities for spiritual growth if the camp is a Christ-centered camp. To aid campers in developing their spiritual and personal growth, camp counselors and staff will offer direction, assistance, and encouragement. Faith and spiritual growth may be incorporated into your child’s week at camp through:
- Prayer and devotions in the morning and evenings
- Worship
- Bible studies
- Community building and fellowship
- Faith-based discussions and activities
- Giving thanks at mealtimes
- Chapel services
The Saddest Day of the Week: Closing Day
On the final day of camp, campers will pack up their belongings and say goodbye to their new friends and counselors. Some camps might have a closing ceremony or a final activity to mark the end of the week. Your child will likely come home tired but happy, with new friends, memories, and experiences to share with you.
A Week of Camp at a Glance
In conclusion, a week at summer camp is a fun and exciting experience for children. As a parent, you can help prepare your child for camp by talking to them about what to expect, packing appropriate clothing and supplies, and addressing any concerns or questions they might have. With a little preparation, your child is sure to have a great week at camp!
As mentioned above, campers can expect a fun-filled week by:
- Participating in a variety of land and water activities
- Making new friends
- Enjoying the great outdoors
- Sleeping in a cabin with cabin mates
- Making s’mores at evening campfires
- Growing in their relationship with the Lord
- Learn and build new skills
Visit High Peak to Experience an Amazing Week of Summer Camp
High Peak Camp is a Christian camp operated by the Salvation Army. Our mission is to use the elements of nature and the great outdoors as a setting to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Salvation Army is dedicated to touching the lives of our youth. One of the ways we accomplish this is through summer camps. Each summer, we have children and teenagers from all walks of life come and experience God at High Peak Camp.
If you are interested in your child experiencing God in a week-long camp at High Peak Camp, contact us or visit our website. We look forward to answering any questions you may have!