At the end of the school year, many parents start thinking about how they will keep their children active and entertained during the summer months. Finding babysitters can be a hassle, and ultimately you just want your child to be safe and enjoy their time away from school. For anyone who was experienced summer camp, they know it’s a great option for both kids and parents during the summer. There are so many lasting benefits of summer camp on a child that it should be an obvious choice. If you’re not already convinced, here are the top five reasons you should encourage your kids to attend camp.

1. They Build a New Skill Set

From growing plants and vegetables in a garden to working on their backstroke in the pool, summer camps offer children the opportunity to learn new skills and gain confidence in their ability to try new things. Many children find new hobbies during their time at camp that will continue after camp is over. Being able to flourish outside of their academic environment can be a rewarding experience for a child, and camp provides kids ample opportunities to take on new challenges and practice their skills.

2. They Make New Friends

Learning how to meet new people and make friends in any setting is a skill that will help your child throughout their life. One of the greatest benefits of summer camp is meeting a new group of kids who share similar interests without the stress of competing academically. Shared experiences can create strong bonds among children, and these relationships can turn into lasting friendships that will enrich your child’s life for years to come.

3. They Stay Active

With the overwhelming amount of toys and electronics kids have access to these days, it can be difficult to get your child out of the house and moving around. To maintain their health and overall well-being, it’s crucial that kids participate in sports and physical activity. Summer camp is a great place for kids to stay active and form habits and positive memories around exercise and playing outside.

4. They Become More Independent

In their daily lives, most children have their decisions and schedule made for them by their parents or teachers. Camp gives kids the opportunity to practice independence and guide themselves to a decision in a comfortable environment. Kids have the ability to put themselves out there in a safe space a thrive in a unique environment, which can build their self-esteem in other areas of their life including school and sports teams.

5. They Make Lasting Memories

Last but not least, camp is a place to simply have fun. Your child will return home with great stories and funny anecdotes from a day full of new experiences and activities. These stories will turn into fond memories of their summer with a lasting impact on their life. While playing Nintendo on the couch might sound like fun, nothing compares to the skills, friendships, and memories a child makes during camp.