42 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com MARCH | APRIL 2019 healthy risks, setting personal goals, and realizing their dreams. At camp, children learn the importance of working hard to accomplish what they want and of perseverance, all in a low-stress setting. TO BUILD CHARACTER On top of making new friends, campers also develop an appreciation for the qualities required to cultivate and strengthen these relationships. Camp provides children with the core values of a strong, moral individual by teaching them about ethics, honesty, compassion, respect and responsibility. Parents frequently report that after camp, their children are more kind, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right, and are willing to be more responsible. TO FOSTER INDEPENDENCE At camp, children learn the responsibility of making their own decisions with the safety net of insightful counselors and staff in a safe environment. Campers can risk finding out what works and what doesn’t, while discovering new facets of themselves. The camp environment provides peer support that allows children to quickly overcome their need for constant parental dependency.  The main goal of any well-run camp program is making sure children have the time of their lives. Summer camp provides a much- needed break from the academic year and fosters creativity, adventure, thrills, smiles and plain old good times. All of the outcomes— friendships, overcoming challenges, staying healthy and building character— prepare them for bigger, brighter lives down the road. Camp is not just a place to spend the summer—it’s a deep connection with others, becoming part of a supportive community, and something they will hold in their hearts forever.  Summer Camp Planning Guide