Blog

To kids, a shaded grove, a sandbox, or just a patch of grass can feel like the world’s biggest classroom. For young children, time outside is more than a break from screens — it is a proven way to build healthier bodies, sharper minds, and stronger social skills.

Social-emotional skills play a crucial role in a child’s development, shaping their ability to interact with others, manage emotions, and navigate the world with confidence. While children naturally develop these skills over time, early learning centers provide structured opportunities for growth in a supportive environment. High-quality early childhood programs focus on helping young learners build strong relationships, develop empathy, and regulate their emotions — setting the foundation for lifelong success.

Today, kids ages 8-18 have an estimated 7.5 hours of screen time per day. In light of this digital lifestyle, the allure of the great outdoors is an essential and grounding force for the younger generation. Nature's classroom offers invaluable lessons and experiences, contributing significantly to a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive development. In this article, we’ll explore the multifaceted benefits of nature for children and how summer camps like Camp JCC serve as a gateway to these enriching outdoor experiences.

Does the idea of sitting at a desk all day make you feel physically sick? Are you happiest when spending time outside, being active, with other people? Do you enjoy working with a team of supportive, like-minded people? Are you a student looking for a seasonal job that is both enjoyable and will make a good addition to your resume? If the answer to any of those questions is "yes," then a job as a camp counselor might be the right fit for you. As a member of a summer camp staff team at a place like Siegel JCC, you'll get to experience a truly unique opportunity to grow as a leader and a person—while also having the time of your life. 

For parents of adolescents and pre-teens, the question of what to do with your kid over the summer can be a stressful one. Kids at that age are too old for daycare, but too young for a job. And while some older kids are trustworthy and mature enough to be left at home alone, many parents worry that leaving them to their own devices will keep them on their devices all day, every day—not a great way to spend a summer. 
Even as they mature, kids can still benefit from structured, positive activities, time to socialize, and supervision by trusted adults. If you're looking for something that checks all those boxes, summer camps for older kids offer all that and more. Here, we've outlined a few of the benefits of summer camp for teens and adolescents.

Looking for a summer program for the kids? Check out our favorites!

Looking for a camp but need transportation? Here are our favorites!

Hear all about our top five amazing summer camp experiences at Camp JCC!

Looking for a summer camp with field trips? Here's our favorites!

Here are the top 5 best reasons why so many campers return to Camp JCC Delaware every year!

Here are the top five things kids love about Camp JCC!

Looking for fun Jewish experiences over the Summer? Look no further than our list of favorites!

Looking for more reasons to sign your child up for Camp JCC? We've got ten!

Working at a summer camp teaches important 21st Century Skills, and Camp JCC Delaware will tell you how to use them.

Looking for the best camps outside Philadelphia? Here are our favorites!

Proper customer services are a high priority at Camp JCC Delaware, and here's why.

Looking for a summer program for your teen? Here are a few of our favorites!