Why Girls need Summer Camp to Boost Confidence

Imagine a group of girls running across an open expanse of grass towards a crystal-clear lake. Towels are flapping like capes behind them as they scream and laugh. The air is warm and balmy, and the water is a cool oasis. They line up on the edge of the dock and jump in on the count of three! More laughing as they dunk and splash, without a care in the world.

This may be difficult to imagine in our modern world, where being "social" means posting what you ate for lunch, and being in a constant rat race to keep up with your friends. The social landscape at camp is much different and extremely refreshing. Girls sit down at a table and eat meals with their cabinmates and counselors. They talk about what happened throughout their day and celebrate their triumphs. They learn to live together and how to be kind friends in real time.

We are a family at Camp Birch Knoll, and all girls are treated as such. Older campers are big sisters to our younger ones, acting as role models and instilling our camp values. The environment is nurturing to encourage independence and thoughtfully challenging to boost confidence in girls and encourage growth. Girls are allowed to choose their own path but always encouraged to stretch their wings in new and exciting ways.

The number one response I get from campers when asked "what is your favorite part about camp?" is spending time in my cabin with my friends. So simple. You'd think they could do that anywhere. It's the community that exists at camp, set up in a way to encourage these behaviors, that makes it magical. There is no pressure to be a certain way because being different is embraced. There is no anxiety about being perfect because nobody is.

Girls need camp because girls need a break. They need a place to disconnect from the rat race and reconnect to the way kids should be. Girls deserve freedom to be themselves in all their silly glory! At Camp Birch Knoll we foster confidence, independence and belonging. Everything girls need to succeed in life now and carry with them as adults.

Jackie