SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

The benefits of summer camps are huge!

Summer camps bring many benefits to your children.

• They provide children with an opportunity to learn valuable social skills and make new friends.

• They increase the child's environmental awareness skills and exploration skills.

• They help children develop their self-confidence and independence.

• They also help them develop leadership skills and practice positive decision-making.

• For kids with learning disabilities or other medical conditions, camps are a great place to meet other young people with similar needs and bond while having fun.

Despite the benefits of camps, the thought of sending your child away and leaving them in the care of someone else can seem daunting.

Common questions from parents include, "Will my child like this?" », « Is it safe? », « And if he falls ill? », « And if he misses the house? ".

These questions may make you give up on sending your child to camp.

Do not eliminate this option just yet.

Spending time at holiday camps  benefits children in many ways.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics shows that summer camps are as safe, if not safer, than many other activities parents otherwise choose for their children.

Children need this essential link with nature, it is necessary for their emotional development in particular.

The most important effect of being close to nature is a calming and soothing effect.

Several studies have shown that, in children with ADHD, the greener and more natural the environment in which they walk, the faster the symptoms of restlessness decrease. An effect greater than a pill...

In the camps, the children learn autonomy, independence, cooperation, tolerance to frustration in groups outside. So many benefits amplified by the link with nature.

Choose so​ n camp

To help you and your child find the perfect camp, prepare for what to expect, and ensure your child has a safe and enjoyable time, take inspiration from these tips from Pediatrics magazine.

Assess your child's interests, skills and overall well-being

What type of camp would your child be most comfortable in? Remember, there are camps for all interests and activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, and languages. There are also religious and educational camps. Also remember that day camps can be a useful alternative to residential camps. Read up on the mission statements of these camps on their website or in their literature so that you are better informed about what each camp offers.

Health and security

Take a look at the pre-admission medical requirements and the types of health services the camp offers.

Engage your child in the process

Review the videos and brochures with your child. Since he will be the one to have this experience, his opinion and interests vis-à-vis the camp are important. You can even arrange an appointment to visit the camp beforehand with your child.

Be sure to select an accredited camp

An accredited camp meets additional standards for site operation, health services, food and more.

If in doubt, get in touch with the camp

If you have questions after reading a camp's information, call the camp director.

• Prepare for camp

• Make sure your child's vaccinations are up to date.

• Give him a complete annual health exam and give the results to the camp staff. This review should include information about recent injuries and surgeries, as well as specific medication or management needs, such as allergies, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes,

How to reduce the risk that your child will be sad to be away from home?

• Talk with your child about this form of homesickness, but be sure to express positive thoughts about how you think their time at camp will go.

• Involve your child in preparing for camp.

• If possible, ask your child to spend some time away from home before leaving for camp, to get used to the remoteness.

• Draw comparisons between the time your child will spend at camp and previous examples of being away that they have enjoyed.

• Avoid telling your child you'll pick them up from camp if they're feeling homesick. By giving him that option before the feeling even arises, you risk undermining your child's confidence in his abilities for independence.

If your child is going to summer camp, follow these tips to help make the experience a positive one for you and for them.

Sending your children to the village to spend time with the grandparents in a suitable and safe place can also be compared to a summer vacation camp if they learn something.