Camp Builds Independence for Kids

We’ve often said that attending an kids summer camp like Rockbrook helps children become more self-sufficient and independent. But how does it work? What is it about being at camp that makes this kind of growth possible?

One secret is that camp provides a structured environment where we give children the chance to make their own choices and decisions. At Rockbrook, the girls choose their own activity schedule, rotating to new choices twice a week. There are these structured activity times and plenty of open times throughout the day, thus providing both adult supervision and limits within which the girls feel free to decide what to do. Altogether, camp is a place where kids find success (not to mention tons of fun!), through their own efforts, making choices.

It’s no wonder so many people think of their camp experiences as the most important thing they did as a child.

Children Camp

Here’s a photo from one of our special evening events… it’s “auction!” Each cabin group gets a bunch of play “Rockbrook Money” to spend by bidding on mystery prizes. The prizes are mysterious because some are exciting like some cookies or other yummy snack, and others are crazier like jumping in the lake with your clothes on, or wearing your hair in 10 pigtails, for example. All the prizes are fun, for sure, even if some might be maybe “more desirable.” Not knowing what your cabin is bidding on makes the whole event fantastic.

This photo shows an added twist from last summer. We all dressed up like we were on the TV show “survivor.” Lots of leaves, mud face paint, and camouflage, all around.

Activities for Girls at Camp

One of the best parts of being at camp, and particularly an all-girls camp, is how easy it is to relax and find yourself acting kind of goofy. There seems to always be a chance to dress up in some crazy costume or combine some things to wear that are just plain silly. When everyone’s into it, and there aren’t any guys around, it’s great to just let loose and try on a different look. Thinking back on it later, back at home or school, it shows how what you wear really doesn’t matter that much to who you are.

Horse Games for Girls

Toward the end of each session at camp, we have a day of “barn games.” It’s when we come up with fun activities a little different from the regular summer camp riding lessons. For example, we’ll decorate a horse or two with colorful (and washable!) paint, and maybe play “red light, green light,” but one of the most popular is the “Apple Hunt.” This is when the riding instructors hide several apples out in the fields, and the girls are challenged to ride around and find the apples. One apple is marked, and the rider who finds it gets a special prize. They’re all great fun!

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