Why do psychologists believe that teenagers aged 11–16 SHOULD go to summer camp?

At summer camp, children are forced to cope with a variety of situations. When intense experiences occur away from loved ones, this allows teenagers to cope with adversity in their own way, trust themselves, and be themselves. Separation can be painful, but it's necessary. Individuality is born through interaction with ONE'S OWN EXPERIENCE.

Some parents seem to equate "worry" with "love." Would you want your mother to literally die of fear for you? Anxiety is directly related to the unknown. The more information you have, the more peace you have.

For many, camp is the first long separation. The child learns to live away from the care and love of their parents. They may feel lonely in the early days. But they must survive this separation: they need to learn to act independently.

The goal of parenting is to help a child mature and separate from their parents. A trip to camp offers unique opportunities in this regard. Here, a child realizes that their parents love them even from a distance. Having adjusted to being separated from their parents, they begin to regret... parting with their new friends.

A good camp offers activities and clubs. Socializing in their free time (of which they have more than usual) allows children to get to know each other better. The key to new relationships is that they arise away from their parents, completely freely. It's okay if their choice isn't the most exemplary. The teenager is freed from the dictates of others and experiences independence.

Adults should accept that not everything is (and will be) under their control. Children react differently to the need to live according to the rules of the group. It's especially difficult for those whose parents at home indulged their every whim at the drop of a hat. An inability to establish connections is often a sign of spoiledness. Such a child hasn't previously had to make an effort to solve even the slightest difficulties. He lacks initiative and is unwilling to adapt.

Communicating in a group allows a child to learn important truths through personal experience. If you want to live peacefully, don't provoke others. Keep your word, and you'll be respected. Play by the rules.
At camp, a child learns to balance the hurt inflicted with their own actions. A child who manages to overcome a difficult situation without parental help develops a sense of SELF-SUFFICIENCY and CONFIDENCE.

Don't rush off to camp at full speed if your child complains about how everyone bullies and hates them. They need to learn how to navigate social situations.

Important! At camp, children have the opportunity to defend their point of view. Those who weren't leaders at school have the chance to step out of their usual roles and assert themselves. Parents tend to exaggerate how essential they are. They think their child will be lost without them. But for full development, children absolutely need to learn to cope with discomfort, overcome difficulties, rely on themselves, and build social connections.

Based on the book
"Making Our Children Happy. Teenagers 11-16."
 

To send or not to send? The decision is yours. But those who send their children to camp help them grow up and learn to live without their parents. Sad as it may be, that's the goal of parenting—helping a child learn to live independently. Don't be surprised by those who keep it to themselves: "Why is my child so dependent?" Well, it's all your doing!

Since 1996, Paradise has offered summer camps exclusively to discerning clients, understanding all the nuances and providing support to parents and children.