6 WAYS SUMMER CAMP CHARTS A STRONG COURSE FOR YOUR CHILD
Raising your child to become a responsible adult is no small task. It involves creating milestones in their life to help them grow mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.
For many families, a week at Lake Ann Camp becomes one of those milestones.
Here are some of the milestones of development that happen in a typical camp week:
Strengthening everyday self-care.
Taking a shower, brushing teeth, dressing for the weather, and keeping track of their belongings without a parent hovering is a great life skill.
Camp moves quickly, and learning how to care for yourself when you have several camp buddies, from different homes, can accelerate learning. The counselor is there to guide and encourage campers in these basic life skills, but watching a peer respond appropriately goes a long way toward helping campers take steps to grow on their own.
Learning the value of healthy independence.
Part of growing up is learning to make decisions without being told. Learning to clean their own space without a parent’s supervision may change the way a camper cares for their belongings and living spaces when they come home from camp.
It is normal for campers to miss home at some point. Our counselors are trained to recognize homesickness early and respond with calm, steady support. Overcoming that challenge gives a camper the life skill of moving through discomfort and finding peace wherever they go.
Living in structured routines.
Camp follows a steady daily rhythm: mornings, meals, chapel, activities, and lights out, so campers always know what to expect. For those away from home, this consistent routine creates a sense of safety and security, helping them navigate nerves and adjust with confidence.
Our counselors are specially trained to guide campers through this transition, offering steady support and encouragement along the way. Together, the structure of the schedule and the expertise of our staff help campers feel secure, build resilience, and grow in the life skill of adapting to new environments – all while having as much fun as possible.
Navigating peer conflict.
Cabin life is close, and with shared spaces and different personalities, it is not unusual for a camper to feel offended at some point. That’s not a sign that something’s wrong; it’s just a part of learning to live in community.
Counselors are present and paying attention. They coach campers through small conflicts, so they grow rather than withdraw or escalate. In fact, many of our activities are designed to foster connection and inclusion with their peers. This makes camp the perfect place for campers to take small steps toward resolution, rather than shutting down completely and missing the great lessons around them.
Willingness to try new things.
Camp is full of firsts. New games. New skills. New people. Campers don’t have to be fearless; just willing to explore. Supported, never forced. Our staff encourages hesitant campers with patience and care. At Lake Ann Camp, we go by the motto: challenge by choice. The most meaningful growth often happens when a child chooses to step in, even if they’re unsure. Our experience is that our campers learn to step out of their comfort zone here and then find themselves more willing to take steps toward growth in other experiences back home.
Finding confidence away from home.
We work hard to provide clean, comfortable cabins, great experiences, and even the kinds of food campers love to eat. Our goal is to help them feel loved, valued, and seen. When that happens, they adopt camp as a safe place to learn and grow. It fosters curiosity and the ability to take steps of growth, whether that is relationally with their peers, trying something new, or taking steps of spiritual growth in their relationship with God.
Learning to feel safe away from home can open a camper’s world to a whole lot of opportunities. It gives them a sense of confidence that is hard to find, but once found, the possibilities are endless.
A Milestone Worth Considering
Every child is in the process of becoming. A week at camp can play a meaningful role in that journey.
We encourage you to explore our videos, review the frequently asked questions, and talk with families who have experienced Lake Ann Camp firsthand. Make an informed decision that feels right for your child.
And know this: we stand behind the experience here. If Lake Ann Camp is not the finest investment you make in your child this summer, we will gladly refund the full camper fee upon written request.
For nearly eight decades, we have watched campers leave stronger, steadier, and more confident than when they arrived. It would be our privilege to walk alongside your family in that next step.