Our country and the world for that matter needs leaders more than ever before. It’s time for kids and young adults to get trained in leadership. Overnight Summer Camps tend to create children to be flexible problem solvers as well as learn to live with folks that are different. Summer Camps have long been known for their ability to promote skills that are life long. Included in these are: responsibility, independence, cooperation and teamwork, along with a willingness to try new things.

Since 1996 we as the camp directors of Swift Nature Camp have intentionally been using our camps resources to promote positive personal growth and development . Our goal is to measure how campers and staff grow and developing as individuals during their stay at summer camp.

It is our work with campers and staff that ensures that they not only keep the children safe but they need to encourage and assist campers in their own personal development and growth. Every day we meet with staff to check in and see how each camper is doing with meeting their parents directives as well as meeting the camps goals. We envision ourselves as a part of the family in raising the children of our campers.

For our older teens we give them an opportunity to guide campers as well. This counselor in training program is designed to help older teen engage in leadership and decision-making within their camp groups and for the camp as a whole. Daily they have classes that teach leadership skills as well as child development. Then they get to get out and give it a whack and see it really works for them. For some of these teen they just want a continuation of their own camp days but for others they see how this will benefit them in the real world and help them become better leaders in the future.

Being a leader at camp means putting the needs of others before one’s needs is often a significant skill for teenagers. Staff young and old realize the importance of being physically and emotionally present for campers and enthusiastically participating in all activities. It is so important to motivating and encouraging the children to try new things and achieve their own goals.

Camps provide an opportunity to be role models and mentors to younger children. This is not only true for those staff members but also for campers. For many, this is the first time that they realize the natural power they have over others. They learn skills for group management and gaining respect and for teaching children new skills and encouraging them to try new things.

Overnight Summer Camp provides a great time to be outside and playing but it is also a wonderful chance for campers, and staff to increase their own personal growth and development.

To learn more about selecting a Summer Camp visit summer camp advice a free website with loads of camp information.

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp is a non-competitive, Minnesota Summer Camp that offers a traditional camp programs for Boy and Girls. Campers enjoy Teen Adventure Camp trips along with in camp activities like Scuba, Sailing, Skiing and more.