Why Summer Camp Matters More than Ever
Childhood has changed. Screens are constant, schedules are packed, and unstructured time is disappearing. More parents are searching for ways to support a tech-free childhood and what kids really need to thrive. At a summer camp, kids experience a truly phone-free childhood built around free play, real friendships, and time outdoors. Research continues to show that play-based childhood experiences are essential for building creativity, emotional resilience, and social skills. Camp provides an embodied and synchronistic way of growing up, where kids learn through doing, connecting, and exploring in real time.
The Benefits of Summer Camp, Backed by Research
The decision to attend camp can be an exciting moment for families new or familiar to the world of summer camps. There are many studies that support the developmental benefits of camp. Your reasons of choosing summer camp are yours but here are our favorite benefits of summer camp.
According to the Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience: Evidence for Multidimensional Growth and the American Camp Association National Camp Impact Study
- 76% of children indicated that they had learned something new at camp
- 70% of parents reported that after camp their children were noticeably more confident and had more self esteem
- 71% of campers cited that they improved specific skills while they were at camp
- Campers self-report maintained levels of independence, leadership, social comfort, and peer relationships six months post-camp
- Summer camps support an affinity for nature, willingness to try new things, grit and child friendships
- Campers who have more room for growth show the greatest gains
So if you’re wondering “Does summer camp help with confidence?” or “How does summer camp build independence?”, camp is one of the most proven environments for both.
Summer Camp as an Adventure Playground
At camp, we cultivate growth by teaching kids responsibility, providing play-based experiences, and building a community where they can freely be themselves. Growth happens everywhere at camp; it’s in the first time a camper tries something new, it’s in the moment they figure something out on their own, and it’s in laughing with new friends around the campfire. Hear from our 2025 ENC campers and parents about their experience!
“At first I was really scared of the new experiences, but now I am really happy and proud of trying new things and making new friends” -Camper
“My children were able to grow and learn and were exposed to things they may never have known about before. They gained independence and self-esteem and enjoyed just being able to be a kid away from daily life and responsibilities.” -Camper Parent
“I am really happy to be here. Nobody judges me and it feels safe” -Camper
“[My camper] comes home each summer after camp as a kinder, gentler version of himself. He smiles with pure joy at camp, smiles I have never seen before. He gets caught up in the moments and embraces his time there. Those smiles make my year as a parent.” -Camper Parent
Camp is an adventure playground where kids learn by doing, whether they’re climbing, creating, exploring, or simply spending time in free play.
“Summer camp! It’s the most effective way I know of to reverse the phone-based childhood and restore a playful, real-world childhood, at least for a few weeks each summer. Parents and schools can then build on that detox period to give kids a more joyous and healthy childhood when they return.”
-Jon Haidt, Author of The Anxious Generation