Summer camp

Summer camp is a supervised program for children and teenagers conducted during the summer months in some countries. Children and adolescents who attend camp ("campers") participate in a variety of activities, many of which are unique to this non-formal educational period.

Traditionally, a summer camp is portrayed as a woodsy place with hiking, canoeing, and campfires is evolving, with greater acceptance of newer summer camps that offer a wide variety of specialized activities. For example, there are camps for the performing arts, rock music, magic, computers, children with special needs, and weight loss. In fact, the American Camp Association reports that in 2006, 75 percent of camps added new programs. There are also religiously-affiliated summer camps, such as those run by Jewish organizations and by Evangelical Christian groups.

The primary purpose of most camps is positive youth development. Camp provides youth with the opportunity to learn life skills and subject matter skills in a physically and emotionally safe setting while interacting with caring adults. A camp's environment allows children to take healthy risks in a safe and nurturing environment. Camp contributes to a range of positive outcomes in youth. A national study of the youth development outcomes of the camp experience conducted by the American Camp Association (2005) found that camp participation led to increases on each of the following outcomes: self-esteem, independence, leadership, friendship skills, social comfort, peer relationships, adventure & exploration, environmental awareness, values & decisions, and spirituality.