6 Reasons Why You SHOULD Send Your Kid to Summer Camp #ad #NutrisystemSnaps

School's out and many parents are still trying to decide what to do with the kids this Summer.  If your kids are old enough, now may be the time to consider Summer Camp.  

I know it sounds scary letting your precious precious child spend a week or longer at camp but for most kids Summer Camp is an exciting rite of passage and an unforgettable experience.

I remember the first time our kids went to Summer Camp. It was a one week getaway on the military base near our home.  Near our home meaning, the base is about 2 miles from our house. Near our home meaning, my husband, mother and stepfather work on base.  Near our home meaning, I was less than a 15 minute drive from my kids but nonetheless, they were away at Summer Camp.

The kids were excited and truth is, I was excited for them. My youngest was full of questions and I finally told him I couldn't tell him everything because it would ruin the surprise but inside I knew Summer Camp would be an experience he'd remember for years to come.

There are many reasons to send your child to Summer Camp, but here are just a few:

1.  They'll meet someone new.  Summer camp is a great place to meet people and the friendships they form will last for years and years.

Our kids were fortunate to attend together but they were surprised to see a few of their friends from school at camp.  Even more surprised getting to know kids from other cities and states.

 

2.  Outdoor Activities.  Summer camp is a great way to get your kids up and about.  Kids will swim, play, climb, run and get some much needed exercise.  Let's admit it we could all use fresh air.

3.  Try New Things.  Summer Camp is a great place to try new things.  Fishing, canoeing, swimming and so much more. My kids had so much fun canoeing for the first time.  We had a couple of near-miss collisions but no one was hurt.



Summer Camp also introduced our kids to some new foods.  One year, they attended a church camp and there was a Scavenger Night. The kids visited a nearby farm and picked eggs from the henhouse and veggies from the garden and the chef helped the kids prepare a delicious farm to table dinner.  After dinner, the kids gathered around the campfire for s'mores.

4.  S'mores.  S'mores - a marshmallow and a piece of chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers - are a rite of passage for campers. One of my fondest memories of camp was s'mores.  We never made them at home, but every summer at Girl Scouts camp, s'mores was the highlight of the evening.  After a long day of horseback riding and fun, we would gather around the campfire and tell stories while making s'mores. 

                                                                           Autumn Mott
We made s'mores a few nights ago in the backyard before the kids heading off to camp.  The kids used the traditional chocolate bar while I opted for my Nutrisystem Nutrichocolates.  I didn't want to miss out on the s'mores backyard fun but didn't want to sabotage my weight loss either.  You should have seen their faces when I told them they would eat s'mores every night at camp.  Happy happy! Joy joy!!

Disclosure: I am an Nutrisystem Blogger and I received a complimentary subscription to Nutrisystem in exchange for this post. Follow #NutrisystemSnaps for more on my weight loss journey and that of other #NSNation bloggers.

We had so much fun in our backyard just sitting around talking and laughing and watching fireflies.  No phones.  No tablets. No gadgets which brings me to #5...

5.  Tech Free Zone. What did kids do for fun before video games, iPhones, gadgets, electronic toys and gizmos?  Seems like our kids are so e-obsessed nowadays.  Even though we monitor their time on their electronics, seeing them run around the backyard trying to catch lightnin' bugs was fun. 

Camp counselors work hard to create activities to keep kids active.  Nature walks and outdoor games fill in the void of other scheduled activities.

Here's a pic of some "berries" my kids found on a nature hike.  Of course, they asked "Can we eat it?" Of course, we didn't. 

My kids also learned how to spot poison ivy while on one of their Summer Camp nature hikes.  Granted it was courtesy of another child who walked right into a patch of poison ivy.  It was a life lesson for all the kids.

6.  You need a break. Before the kids left for Summer Camp, I had this plan of all the things I would be able to do while they were gone.  I would super clean their rooms, clean the den, shampoo the carpets, donate their old clothes, this, that and the other.  I did none of that.  Not a one. 

I came home, made dinner for hubby and myself and not a single peep of "Yuck.  I'm gonna be sick.  Please don't make me eat this green stuff."  I took long, hot baths with the bathroom door wide open relishing in the fact there was no one knocking on the door begging to pee.  I stretched out across my bed and got a few night's rest without little feet poking me in the back or stretched out like a dissected frog while I lay hunched over the edge of MY bed. 

I confess I sure missed those goodnight kisses from my three boys and a little old lady but I knew they needed Summer Camp as much as I needed them to be at Summer Camp.

What about you? 
  Are you kiddos heading to Summer Camp this year?