Two children looking at sheep in a barn pen

Why Camp?
Why camp howe?

Why Camp?

Kids need places where they can just be kids. In a world filled with screens, schedules, pressure and adults often managing every part of their day, camp gives kids something increasingly hard to find - time and space to figure things out for themselves. They make friends face-to-face, build social skills by living and playing with others, try new things, make their own choices and learn that it's okay when something doesn't go exactly as planned. They work through disagreements, experience disappointment, take healthy risks and build resilience by getting back up and trying again. Camp gives kids the opportunity to develop independence, confidence, responsibility and the courage to step outside their comfort zone. And perhaps the best part is that all of this learning and growth happens while they are busy having fun.

A lot of research has been done on the impact camp can have on both campers and staff, from building confidence and independence to developing social skills, resilience and a greater sense of belonging. If you’re interested in digging deeper - reach out and we would be happy to connect you with the research. Below are two TED Talks about the value of camp, created more than a decade apart. While the world around our kids has changed considerably, the messages in both are just as relevant today.

Why Howe?

There are lots of great camps, so finding the right one for your child matters. At Camp Howe, we have been doing this for nearly 100 years, and we know that kids grow best when they feel safe, accepted and free to be themselves. We intentionally bring together campers and staff with different backgrounds, abilities, identities and experiences because we believe kids benefit from knowing people who aren't exactly like them. We give campers choices, encourage independence, let them get dirty, challenge them to try something new and surround them with staff who genuinely care about them. Add in 52 acres surrounded by state forest, a lake, great activities, plenty of silliness and a commitment to keeping camp affordable, and you get a place where kids can have an amazing summer while becoming a little more confident in who they are.

The Impact of Camp Howe!

We can tell you what we hope kids gain from Camp Howe, but what really matters is whether families see it when their children come home. Each year, we ask families whether attending Camp Howe has made a difference in areas we intentionally work to develop, including confidence, independence, responsibility, resilience, social skills, leadership, acceptance of others, appreciation for the outdoors and a willingness to try new things.

Year after year, the results are consistently positive. They remind us that while kids may think they are simply swimming, climbing, making friends and having fun, something much bigger is happening along the way. The growth families see at home reflects the thought and intention we put into creating the Camp Howe experience.

of campers returned home MORE ACCEPTING OF DIFFERENCES IN OTHERS

94%

93%

98%

94%

of campers returned home WITH A GREATER APPRECIATION OF THE OUTDOORS

of campers
returned home MORE INDEPENDENT

of campers returned home MORE ABLE TO ADAPT TO CHANGE

of campers returned home BETTER IN GROUP SETTINGS

95%

94%

95%

94%

of campers returned home with KNOWLEDGE OF NEW THINGS

of campers returned home MORE WILLING TO TRY NEW THINGS

of campers return home MORE CONFIDENT

"We did our research and we were skeptical that Camp Howe could live up to such rave reviews but our son's experience exceeded our expectations! Everyone we met was friendly and enthusiastic and our son had an amazing experience!"

"We have so much appreciation for the quality of the camp experience. The warmth and professionalism of the staff is outstanding! The activities always seem to be very satisfying and enjoyable. Lev loves the camp spirit, too. We get the feeling that a lot of good will is generated."

"Camp Howe has been the best camp experience our child has had by far. Our child gained confidence and a sense of community and has talked about wanting to be a counselor in training in the future. We also like that Camp Howe is a traditional camp with few gimmicks or fancy bells and whistles but the right focus on fellowship and having fun."

Why Camp? Why camp howe?