Five Benefits of Summer Camp For Foster Children and Their Foster Parents

In your mind’s eye, listen to the crackling of the campfire and breathe in the fresh outdoor air. While you’re at it, imagine eating the delicious grilled food, having tons of fun with your peers, and of course, partaking in the delectableness of the infamous s ‘mores! These are the memories that stick with you for the remainder of your life. Out of the many things kids experience in their childhood, summer camp should definitely be one of them! For children in foster care, it brings a little normalcy to an abnormal situation. For you as a foster parent, it allows you to expose your children to a life-changing experience as well as gives you a little break from your norm. Here are five benefits that foster children and their foster parents receive from summer camp:

Five Benefits of Summer Camp For Foster Children and Their Foster Parents – Uniting Siblings

One of the harsh realities of foster care is that siblings are sometimes separated from one another and live in different homes. The separation can undoubtedly prove to be overwhelming. As siblings, they have been through a similarly traumatic experience. With an opportunity to connect in a camp setting, it creates an atmosphere that gives them a chance to play together and bond – as siblings should. These memories will be something they can carry with them throughout their lives and will remind them that they are not alone in the world.

Five Benefits of Summer Camp For Foster Children and Their Foster Parents – A Change from the Ordinary

This current generation’s idea of fun usually involves a hand-held electronic gadget that makes noise and lights up. It’s a nice change to actually expose them to the world of nature – the beautiful trees, streams and birds. Who knows? It may even create a new found love and appreciation for the great outdoors. There IS a world beyond iPhone apps and television. Summer camp gives the children something fun to do in a different way that they will appreciate.

Five Benefits of Summer Camp For Foster Children and Their Foster Parents – An Outlet for Energy

Do you remember what it was like to have so much energy you could play all day without getting fatigued? There’s nothing like a good game of kickball or baseball to expend excess energy at summer camp. The children will definitely benefit from doing things like taking a nature hike or rowing a canoe in the lake. There are so many great ways to stay in motion with the multitude of fun-filled activities planned for them throughout their stay.

Five Benefits of Summer Camp For Foster Children and Their Foster Parents – Enhance Social Skills

Camp creates a wonderful avenue to meet new people and learn how to effectively communicate with other children from different households and cultural backgrounds. Sharing cabins with new people creates a chance to enhance social skills by learning about other individuals and developing friendships. These experiences will boost confidence that will prepare your foster children for the upcoming school year and life in general.

Five Benefits of Summer Camp For Foster Children and Their Foster Parents – Respite for Foster Parents

Let’s face it. Even though you love your foster children and would do anything for them, there are times when you just need a break. And it’s OK. Summer camp is the perfect opportunity to give yourself a well needed and deserved respite. The children are in good hands with a caring and professional staff, so this a good time to rest easy and focus on you. That may mean cuddling up with a good book, re-starting your exercise regimen or becoming a couch potato for a week. Whatever you choose to do, this is your time to do it. Enjoy!

Five Benefits of Summer Camp For Foster Children and Their Foster Parents – embrella Can Help!

Each year, thanks to generous donations, embrella offers camp scholarships to children in foster care in New Jersey. This generous program gives them an opportunity to stay at an overnight camp for a week to have the time of their lives. Click here to find out more information about the camp scholarship and deadlines for next year’s adventure at Camp Johnsonburg!

The summer camp experience will fill your child with memories that he will always cherish, while giving you, as a foster parent, a time of respite that you will appreciate. It would be a great idea to invest the time and effort into researching summer camp opportunities for foster children in your local area. You will be glad you did!