When kids are on a break from school, they love it. But some parents panic. They still have to work and take care of other responsibilities. Very few businesses shut down for a fall, winter or holiday vacation. Therefore working moms and dads need safe, educational and fun resources for their children. Holiday camps, also called no-school or school’s out camps, can help.

Holiday camps are a good choice during school breaks because kids can…

Continue positive habits

A camp allows kids to break from their normal routine. At the same time, they’ll maintain similar day/evening schedules. This helps prevent a disruption to sleep patterns. When kids start going to bed later and sleeping in longer, kids often return to school feeling exhausted. They typically need at least two weeks to get back into a groove. Meanwhile their academics and activities could suffer. Enrolling them in a program that requires the same bedtimes and wake up times helps to keep kids on track. It also helps them continue healthy eating and physical activities. 

Develop social skills

Students need opportunities outside the house to build quality relationships with their peers. Kids behave differently at school and camps than they do at home. This is a good thing. They often feel safe and more themselves with family. Meeting new people allows kids to break patterns. They interact with different personality types. As a result, they aren’t as limited and can try out new habits, character traits or ideas.

Focus on non-academic achievements 

Kids benefit from learning something new without pressure. They don’t have to be tested, scored or graded on everything. Campers are free to experiment with new subjects or interests with little risk. Keep in mind, many holiday camps offer rigorous programs. At the same time, kids thrive while learning such topics in a less objective, more subjective environment. They learn there are different ways to solve problems. Many times a simple yes/no answer won’t do. Exposure to this type of learning helps them throughout childhood and into adulthood.

Appreciate differences

As a rule, children mostly interact with kids who hail from similar families and neighborhoods. Sometimes that expands to include churches or friend groups. The result is that children and their peers share backgrounds, ideas and worldviews. This is fine. However, there is a wider world to be explored. As kids get older, feeling comfortable with people from different backgrounds is an asset. Camps do this. They bring children from a variety of schools, neighborhoods and cultures together. They learn other traditions and communication styles. This exposure to diversity leads to respect and understanding between people. It helps to make the world a more interesting place for everyone.

Grow as leaders

Campers are put in circumstances where they can routinely shine. It’s up to them, but camp is full of opportunities to practice team building exercises and work well with others. They learn to effectively cooperate, share duties, and delegate when needed. Naturally, this can lead to conflicts. But remember, conflicts aren’t all bad. Picking a good quality camp program ensures kids will learn the proper ways to resolve such conflicts. They also practice how to communicate in ways that are different from school or home.   

Build physical strength

Children need regular physical activity. Camps provide an atmosphere where they can play sports and improve foundational skills. Healthy competition also makes kids more resilient. They learn to trust themselves more, both off and on the field. When human beings feel fit and healthy, their confidence grows. That confidence makes trying new experiences and making new friends a lot easier.

Get outside

When kids get the chance to spend time outside, their physical and mental health improves. This can be a specified game with rules and regulations, like soccer or baseball. But this can also be a chance to simply walk around and socialize in the sunshine and fresh air.

Build self-esteem

Inclusive holiday camps, with accommodations for all kinds of learning styles and temperaments, make children feel welcome. Such an environment encourages them to try new things and have fun at the same time. This improves a camper’s self-image. Making friends also builds good feelings. Such bonding experiences often lead to important friendships that last long after camp is over.

Enjoy quality childcare

If you have to work, holiday camps are a fun, safe, cost-effective way to engage your kids. Some camps offer flexible hours or part-time schedules, depending on your needs. Be sure to pick a program with qualified instructors and coaches who’ve been trained and background checked.

Learn the importance of flexibility

Introducing new experiences and environments helps kids broaden their horizons. They are challenged to reconsider firmly held beliefs. As a result, they grow and better understand the importance of nuance and empathy. Kids learn how to roll with changes and see the benefit in doing things differently. Open-mindedness is a valuable skill that kids pick up easier while they’re young.

Have fun

You want an environment where kids have a great time. They’re exploring outside their comfort zone. Learning about their own inner talents. This is a time to delve into something they’ve been thinking about for a while but maybe didn’t have the time to devote to it. Why not do so during a break from school? This can result in discovering a lifelong passion.

Holiday camps are a fun, safe way for kids to spend their breaks from school. Click here to find out if KidzToPros has a holiday camp near you. If not, reach out to your school today to get programs in place for the next holiday break!