A Scout summer camp is an immersive experience that expands a boy’s abilities in ways they can’t experience at home. But it’s also a time for them to build leadership skills and character that will serve them well in life.

Operated by the Northern NJ Council, this camp has a 95 acre lake, row boats, canoes and sail boats!

1. Build Self-Esteem

Scouts work towards earning merit badges, belt loops and pins that give them a sense of accomplishment. Many Scouts enjoy the chance to pursue their talents in sports such as soccer, baseball or hockey, while others are more academically minded and might earn badges related to photography, computers, art or science.

At summer camp, Scouts gain a strong sense of self-esteem. This is because they’ll be away from home, making their own decisions and surrounded by other like-minded youth. This helps them develop independence and confidence in their abilities and gives them the opportunity to try new things, even if they might not excel at those activities.

They’ll also have the opportunity to learn life skills, unplug from technology and engage in outdoor adventures. Scouts learn to appreciate and respect nature, while developing a strong sense of self-reliance and resilience through outdoor activities. They’ll also be able to develop lifelong friendships, thanks to teamwork and camaraderie that they learn at Scouting camps.

Whether it’s at the traditional resident Scout camp, Marksmanship Specialty Camp, Trek Liberty or Garden State Council’s high adventure in the Pines, Scout boys will have the time of their lives. And when they return home, they’ll have some awesome stories to tell their friends, family members and teachers. They’ll be able to boast that they went to summer camp, and everyone will think they’re totally awesome.

2. Develop Social Skills

At camp, Scouts are given the opportunity to spend time away from their parents in a safe, supportive environment. While it may be hard for kids to adjust at first, the experience of living independently and relying on themselves can have positive long-term effects.

In addition to fostering independence, summer camps give kids the chance to build social skills by making new friends and learning from other adults in an adult-supervised setting. This provides a strong foundation for developing lifelong friendships and establishing healthy peer groups.

Another way Scouts develop social skills is by applying their creativity and skills through service at camp. By volunteering to cook meals, clean their campsite, waiter at mealtimes or serve as a staff member, Scouts can expand their horizons and feel productive while having fun.

For older Scouts, summer camp offers the chance to participate in more challenging outdoor adventures such as mountain biking, rock climbing and black powder rifle shooting at Bear Creek. These programs offer the chance to earn the prestigious C.O.P.E. (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) Merit Badge, as well as the opportunity to learn and improve skills that will benefit them throughout their lifetime.

Other specialty programs are available for Scouts to participate in during their week of summer camp. These camps focus on a specific area, giving participants the chance to learn more about their passions and also earning merit badges in that area. These specialty camps are ideal for Troops interested in adding a week of specialty summer camp to their Scouts’ regular troop camping trip.

3. Unplug from Technology

In a world where kids are constantly connected to their parents and other friends via technology, summer camp can provide the unplugged environment they need. This helps them develop a healthy balance between social interaction and time spent on electronic devices.

At camp, children spend time playing games together face-to-face and sharing stories around the fire. This gives them the opportunity to develop real-life friendships that can last long after they return home. It also encourages them to pursue these friendships in the real world and overcome their fears of communicating with strangers.

Moreover, the elimination of ringers and alert messages allows Scouts to fully focus on the outdoor and Scouting experience. This allows for a more level playing field when it comes to bunking, as well as prevents the formation of cliques based on which campers have the latest technology. A loyal Scout uses his phone or device in ways that add value to his troop, patrol, or group and only checks it at designated free times.

Camp is the perfect place for boys to build a sense of community and learn how to work with others in a safe and supportive environment. In addition, it is a fun way to get them away from their screens and help them develop valuable life skills. Ultimately, it’s the ideal setting for them to become the remarkable people they are meant to be.

4. Foster Teamwork

Scouts take part in team activities during camp that foster collaboration, communication and cooperation. Working together on these group activities promotes a sense of camaraderie that can last long after the week is over. This can help young boys develop a strong and supportive community that can support them throughout their lives.

Scouting also teaches youth the value of teamwork in their everyday lives. As a result of this, many boys and girls will continue to work as a team in their future careers, communities and social circles.

In addition, the COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) program feature at some camps allows Scouts to push themselves outside their comfort zones to overcome obstacles. This helps to foster confidence in their abilities and can boost self-esteem.

The Boy Scouts of America has been instilling values and skills in children for over a century. Scouts learn the skills necessary to become successful leaders in their communities and countries through a variety of educational activities that combine lifelong values with fun.

Scouts also gain valuable leadership skills through participation in programs like NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training). These experiences can help prepare them for their future roles in society, preparing them to handle situations that may arise in their professional and personal lives.