From travel ball to competitive dance, to vocal coaching and club sports, kids are exposed to extracurriculars earlier, and at a more competitive level, than ever before. While this can foster a lifelong passion for some, it can be exclusionary to others who are nervous to try something their peers have been doing for years. Parents feel the pull as well, deciding whether to commit time and money for uniforms, fees, lessons and equipment for a passing interest.
Summer camps are the perfect way for beginners, no matter the age. Camps hold a unique position in the crowded field of kids’ extracurriculars, providing a low-pressure environment, along with days of consecutive instruction, to build a strong foundation. At camp, kids can learn, grow and take risks without fear of getting cut from a team or preparing for an audition.
Nonprofit organizations, studios, museums, municipalities and even high schools and universities fill their summer calendars with camps, all geared toward welcoming novices. Even traditional sleep-away summer camps host weekly themes like sports or fine arts during the day.
“Summer camp is an opportunity for kids to try new things, make new friends and learn some new skills,” says Natisha Bowling, senior vice president of Youth Programming at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland.
Bowling and her team offer both traditional day camps, as well as specialized camps for fine arts, sports, cheerleading and other areas of interest.
She has seen firsthand how kids grow in this fun and supportive environment. “Sometimes, kids that never swam before leave camp as a swimmer because we provide that experience with the comfort of their friends and the protection of an adult side-by-side with them.”
Trying something new is intimidating; camp serves as a bridge for newcomers.
“Camps are a great way to ease into the more structured weekly classes we offer,” says Natalie Orr-Andrea, owner of Creative Motion Studios. “Our hope is to light a spark of interest in a child who has not tried a formal dance class. It offers them a sample of what’s involved before they commit.” Orr-Andrea and her team create a camp experience where kids explore movement and dance while participating in group activities, crafts and games.
The multi-day, consecutive structure of camps also gives kids a deeper dive into their new hobby, helping them learn more in a shorter period of time.
“I absolutely love when new riders come out for our camp,” says Christine Wooley, a horseback riding instructor and trainer with over 20 years of experience. She’s currently planning summer programming for the ALL Equestrian Summer Camp in Hinkley.
“Most weekly lessons are focused on building riding skills, and often students don’t want to—or don’t have time to—spend real time with the horses on the ground or around the barn. We give campers the opportunity to experience what it’s like to take care of a horse and keep a whole farm running.”
For example, during camp, Wooley gives her new riders an introduction into veterinary care, blacksmithing and the various equestrian sports—something traditional lessons don’t always allow for.
For parents who still want their kids to experience traditional American summer camp, there are many in the area that provide special programs or themed weeks. Camp Y-Noah, run by the Akron Area YMCA, offers a variety of specialty programs, including week-long equestrian sleep away camps. The Girl Scouts of America run three camps in Northeast Ohio, each offering weeklong explorations of interests like boating, horseback riding and space exploration.
Universities such as Baldwin Wallace host overnight camps for young musicians and aspiring performance artists, while the College of Wooster invites girls to apply for the B-Wiser Summer Science Camp.
There are so many lasting benefits of summer camp. Exploring a new area of interest in an environment centered on fun and growth, rather than achievement, gives beginners a great place to build a strong foundation. Residential, day, outdoor, or indoor summer camps offer the perfect gateway for kids looking to take a chance on something new.
