Is Camp Worth It?

This might seem a strange subject for me to put out there… for I bet more than a few dads out there have been grilling their wives and daughters on exactly this point. Often we just assume that everyone is on the same page (appreciating how wonderful camp is) but this assumption is wrong. The fact is, camp is a major decision that must be justified.

We understand that camp costs a lot. It requires a significant commitment of both time and treasure (the only two currencies that we have in life) and this cost is felt by every family who decides to send their child to camp. I hear of the struggles and am humbled by the sacrifices that you often make in order to go to camp. Some families don’t take other vacations during the year, some forego gifts, some even withdraw from private school to make the budget balance. All have to adjust summer vacation schedules to accommodate the camp schedule and sometimes don’t attend beloved family events because there is not enough time to do both.

I know that each of you struggle with the question… “IS CAMP WORTH IT”?

An article that was posted last month in the Huffington Post does a beautiful job of addressing this question head on. The author (Todd Kestin) has a love of camp and appreciation for the impact it had on his life. His articulate opinion is that camp provided the tools to be successful in life. It showed him “how to grow up… take responsibility, and the importance of meaningful relationships in life.” His experience reflects my own and most of those who attend camp.

I know that camp is not going to always fit into your schedule, your budget, or your life… but if it does, it is most certainly worth it. We hear of the value every day from current campers (who are deeply connected to every little detail of camp life even when camp is not in session), from former campers (last May we heard from a 93 year old former camper from the 20’s), and from counselors (who have been transformed by their summer of sacrifice). The common theme is that they have been touched in a significant way by their time at camp. That as time passes, they appreciate this experience more and more. That their life is better because of camp.

Most campers return to camp for more than a year or two… few make it to the Senior group at Main Camp… and the impact is felt by all. My advice: come to camp for as long as you can, then be thankful for the impact that it has in your life. Remember the simple lessons of camp and live them out wherever you are. Do that, and you will reap the dividends of this experience for a lifetime.

If you haven’t had this conversation, I encourage you to put it out there and address it head on. We appreciate experiences more when we understand the costs associated with them. I think that when it comes to camp, you will be surprised at the value.

Jimboy