Will My Preschooler Learn Anything in Summer Camp?

Many camp programs take children as young as 3 years old - and while this might sound too young, you may want to reconsider that stance, especially if your child will be entering preschool or kindergarten in the fall.

Introduction to School-like Structure

Summer camp helps give preschoolers a preview of school. This is especially true for children who have not been in a daycare or preschool before. The change from laid-back, flexible days at home with a parent or caretaker to the more structured classroom environment can be difficult for young children. Summer camp introduces kids to ideas like following a schedule, learning group rules, taking responsibility for their belongings (backpack and lunchbox), and getting along with other children in a group setting. 

Summer Camp Helps Ease Separation Anxiety

Summer camp gives preschoolers a great "practice run" for children who don't have a lot of experience being away from parents and caregivers. After all, being dropped off for a day full of fun and friends might look a little less intimidating for kids than going to the first day of school. Summer camp affords the preschooler and parents the opportunity to work through separation anxiety in a more lenient environment than typically seen at a school with more strict rules regarding morning drop-off.

Preschoolers Learn Important Life Skills in Summer Camp

Summer camp introduces your preschooler to new activities and skills. Many day camps include water play or swimming lessons. Other camps may focus on specific sports, like soccer or gymnastics. Your kids will have fun while practicing important skills like communication, coordination & confidence, while also learning what type of behavior is expected of them in a school-like setting. They may even discover a new activity they enjoy enough to continue it beyond summer camp.   

Summer Camp Helps Children Build Social Skills

Summer camp gives preschoolers an opportunity to make new friendships and build their social skills. Young kids sometimes have limited interactions with other children their age. Their social circle may only include a few friends from daycare, a playgroup or their neighborhood. Summer camp allows children to practice making friends and interact with kids from diverse backgrounds. It also gives children the freedom to make friends based on preference rather than proximity to their home.