Rediscovering the Joy of Unstructured Play

How Summer Camp Revitalizes Essential Childhood Experiences

Reflecting on my children’s upbringing in the Bugbee Elementary School neighborhood, I recall how, after school, they’d grab a snack and head outdoors. My son and his “bike squad” would visit different houses, play football or wiffleball, and build ramps in the Bugbee woods. My daughter would meet up with friends to play games and chat. They both knew to be home by dinner time, around 6 PM.

During these pivotal elementary and early middle school years, they developed crucial social-emotional skills. Through unstructured play, they learned to make decisions, be good friends, empathize with others, manage their emotions, and respect each other, even amidst disagreements. These experiences were instrumental in shaping who they are today.

Observing today’s neighborhoods, I notice fewer children engaging in such free play. Often, there’s a parent nearby, and it’s uncommon to see kids exploring the neighborhood independently, even in safe areas. Many children have highly programmed after-school schedules, limiting their opportunities to explore their identities within peer groups.

This is where summer camp plays a vital role. At day camps like ours, children are immersed in diverse environments, interacting with peers from various towns, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, and ages ranging from 8 to 15. Throughout the day, they navigate this new world, experimenting with different aspects of their personalities and learning from others.

Over the course of a week or more, campers develop friendships, overcome challenges, and understand that not everyone shares their perspectives. They learn the importance of listening and fostering understanding before reacting. In essence, camp provides the unstructured play and freedom that many of today’s children miss, offering a space where they can grow, learn, and thrive.

As highlighted by The Summer Camp Society, camp serves as the “new old neighborhood,” a place where the lights are always on, and children can experience the joys and lessons of unstructured play in a safe and supportive environment.

In a world where such freedoms are becoming rare, summer camp offers a sanctuary for children to be themselves, explore, and develop the essential life skills that will serve them throughout their lives.