ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW.com) – Summer camp is a rite of passage for youngsters each year. Many adults look back fondly on their own camp memories, and families across Asheville and Western North Carolina are already weighing options for the months ahead.
Summer camp benefits children in a lot of ways. Here are a few reasons camp can be a great part of summer break, whether it’s a day camp close to home or an overnight camp in the mountains.
1.Campers continue to socialize throughout summer.
Socializing is not just for the school year. While some older kids are independent enough to meet up with friends during summer break, younger kids often need more structure and supervision. Camp gives kids a built-in place to see familiar faces, make new friends, and stay connected during a season when school routines are on pause.
2.Campers can expand their horizons.
Some summer camps are limited to certain age groups or specific communities, but many camps in Western North Carolina draw families from multiple towns and counties. That mix can help kids meet people outside their usual circle. The Graduate School of Education at Harvard University notes that summer camp may be the first time children spend substantial amounts of time with people whose backgrounds differ from their own.
3.Camp can get kids off their devices.
Modern children are growing up in a digital world, and parents know how hard it can be to get kids to put down their devices and get outside. A 2025 study from researchers at the University of Michigan published in the journal Health and Place found that efforts to reduce kids’ screen time are more successful when children are given a chance to play outside. Many camps are built around being active and spending time outdoors, which can make it easier for kids to unplug for part of the day.
Camp adds structure to summer days. Once the school year ends, the structure a school day provides vanishes. For kids used to a routine, that can make the early weeks of summer feel long. Camp can add a dependable schedule while still giving kids a break from homework and school-year pressures.
There is no shortage of benefits to summer camp, where kids can socialize, grow, and take a break from screens while spending their days in structured, low-pressure activities.