More About Summer Learning Programs

Summer learning programs for kids actually came into being from the late 1880s. Some of the programs included the development of reading abilities as well as development of vocational talent of the kids participating in the summer camps while some others focused on the development of life skills and values of the children. These summer programs have been developed for kids who have wide range of interest in different extra-curricular activities other than school related activities. These camps include varied activities like outdoor camp experiences, art, music, sports, and other teen activities. However, one must not confuse between these summer learning programs for kids and the summer schools organized by many schools. Summer school activities largely focus on academic instructions. They take place only for half a day and are attended by students who have quite a low-performance level and unlike summer programs, the summer schools are also most often, mandatory. However, the summer camps are also involved in recreational programs along with educational programs and they are voluntary only. The kids participating in these programs are those who have different level of performances and these programs are quite flexible in these respects. There are different types of summer programs for kids, which include youth development, educational or cognitive, health and fitness, career development related programs and multi-element programs. The following are the benefits of these programs for kids: * Increase in self-esteem: In these summer camps, kids of different ages participate. Thus, they get into the habit of looking after each other and especially looking after the younger campers. These kinds of activities involving responsibility and managing to exceed expectations of others help in boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem. * Kids become disciplined and organized: The summer learning programs generally have a kind of a fixed schedule that every child as well as the trainers attending the programs must follow. Therefore, kids automatically learn to wake up early and on time and get equipped to finish their chores on the right time. * Kids love for nature grows immensely through these summer learning programs for kids: These summer camps are also the best choice for value additions to the children. Among these, instigating the love of nature is one of the most important values that the children learn here. Being close to the nature, they learn to respect nature and protect it. This becomes an important lesson for their entire life. * The physical skills of children also evolve: The summer learning programs are very much involved in organizing various kinds of physical activities and sports like canoeing, hiking, swimming, horse riding, and all these kinds of teen activities help greatly in developing their physical fitness, which is not possible by sitting at home. * The feeling of respect towards other kid's increases: In the camps, children learn how to work with each other in attaining a specific goal. When their specific task is completed and their goal is attained, the kids learn to respect the hard work inputted by the other kids and they start respecting each other.