A new study has proved what we’ve known for years – going to camp is a necessity.
The American Journal of Preventative Medicine conducted a report “Children’s Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Attending Summer Day Camps” which provides evidence that children who attend a summer day camp (aged 5-12) are getting over the recommended amount of 60 minutes per day of vigorous physical activity.
Why is this so important?
It’s that little phrase called Summer Slide. Reports show that lack of organized summer enrichment programs result in:
- Spending three to four weeks re-teaching students material at the beginning of the school year,
- Spending at least five to six weeks re-teaching material from the previous year,
- Students regressing more in math skills than reading skills,
- Falling one month behind spring academic achievement and
- Putting on extra weight, equal to half their yearly weight gain during these months.
In this instance, it’s that last bullet that really drives it home for me. The media is filled with the early reading initiatives – but what about the health of the whole child? Physical health is just as, if not more important.
Check out what the American Camp Association has to say about the study here.
Christina Middlebrook is the Vice President for the council’s Outdoor Division at Camp Fire First Texas. She has extensive experience with classroom teaching, environmental stewardship and out-of-school time programming. Christina holds a Master of Arts in science education and several certifications including an Educational Leadership Certification from Harvard, a Nonprofit Management Certification from University of Texas- Austin, two teaching certificates and a Professional Development and Appraisal Systems Certificate from TEA.
