“It’s just a camp thing.” If you’ve ever been a summer camper or camp counselor, chances are it’s a phrase you know well. I mean, how else can you explain all the wacky traditions at summer camp?
From the absurd lunchtime songs to the campfire skits full of inside jokes, camp and school are as different as apples and orangutans. (And just like apples and orangutans, one is a whole lot more unexpected than the other!)
Here are just a few of the ways that camp is different from life at school! A word of warning: don’t read this list if summer is far away!
Yes, summer camp is that awesome. 🙂
Fact: “fun in the sun” is good for your health
You know that “fun in the sun” puts a smile on your face — but did you also know that it provides you with vitamin D, keeping your mind and body healthy?
Not only that, but some studies have even shown that time in the sun can combat a variety of common problems from depression to fatigue. Who knew!
Our “thesis” has always been that camp makes you happy. Turns out there’s some science to back up our hunches! 😉
A break from homework
Homework is a healthy part of your school experience, but it certainly won’t be following you out to Camp Starlight.
In fact, we have a strict anti-homework rule in place! (Just kidding — if you really want to do some multiplication tables or summer readying, be our guest! And more power to you.)
Learning still happens at Camp Starlight, but it’s all experiential learning. While math class is good for you arithmetic skills, the activities at camp tend to focus on building other skills: like leadership, compassion, and teamwork. Thankfully, playing games with your friends tends to be way more fun than practicing grammar rules before a test!
Learning at camp
Just because it’s far away from school doesn’t mean learning stops when you’re at summer camp. From team sports that build your communication abilities to craft workshops that get you in touch with your inner artist, camp activities are carefully designed to always be teaching you an important life skill.
Taking a break from “hitting the books” is great for making sure you’re fully charged for the next year, and all the activities and social opportunities at summer camp make it the perfect place to recharge!
Counselors vs. Teachers
Just like school, camp isn’t completely a free-for-all. Our team of highly-trained and passionate counselors are always on hand to make sure the fun and games go off without a hitch.
That being said, counselors and teachers have a few differences. If you’ve ever been in a big brother or big sister program, you probably have a good idea of what having a counselor is like. Someone who looks out for you, guides you through any conflict or questions you have about life at camp, and makes sure you brush your teeth a couple times a day.
The difference is, camp counselors act about 100 times more zany while they do it! Remember, we’re here to have the time of our lives!
…But don’t take our word for it. Come join in the fun!
The only way to truly discover how different camp life is from school life is to try it out. It’ll be different from anything you’ve ever done before, but we have a feeling you’re an adventurous sort anyway. Plus, you’ll finally understand what everyone means when they say “it’s just a camp thing.”
Those of you who are summer camp regulars, be sure to keep your grades up and hang in there. We promise summer will be here before you know it!
Tags: America's finest summer camps, American summer camps, Benefits of Summer Camp, Camp Starlight, camp traditions, life at summer camp, summer camp, summer camp activities, summer camp programs
