I very short dive into the literature about what youth get from attending summer camp.
đź“š Research & Studies on Camp Benefits
1. Wilson & Sibthorp (2018) – Youth learning outcomes at summer camps
Youths develop independence, perseverance, responsibility, confidence, emotion regulation, teamwork, and more
2. American Camp Association National Camp Impact Study (2023)
High-quality camp experiences promote youth independence, social awareness, belonging, and deeper connections
3. American Camp Association Press Release (2023)
Highlights lasting mental health benefits, resilience, and confidence among youth after camp
4. ACA “Directions” Research (2001–2004)
Found sustained increases in self-esteem, independence, leadership, friendship skills, social comfort, spiritual growth, and more across 80 camps
5. Shafer (2016) – Harvard Graduate School of Education
A 2005 study of 80 camps showed significant growth in social-emotional skills—self-awareness, relationship skills, social comfort, decision-making
6. SeriousFun & Yale Child Study Center Report (2012)
Children with serious illness who attend SeriousFun camps show improved confidence, self-esteem, independence, reduced stress, and stronger social skills
7. ACA Article (2022) – Holistic benefits
Explores self-confidence, self-reliance, leadership, friendship skills, and environmental awareness gains through camp experiences
General summary: overnight camp fosters physical, emotional, intellectual, moral, and social growth
9. ACA “Summer Residential Camps” (2009)
Residential camps foster positive identity, social skills, values/spiritual growth, and physical/thinking skills
10. Templeton Foundation (April 2025)
Emphasizes development of moral virtues, perseverance, compassion, gratitude, and civic collaboration at camp