Why Summer Camp Matters: The Lifelong Impact of Overnight Experiences

As we step into a new year and look ahead to another summer at Camp T on Birch Lake (our 106th!), we want to address a question that many parents ask: Does overnight camp really make a lasting difference in a child’s life? The answer – supported by decades of research and real-world outcomes – is a confident yes!

A Place to Grow Confidence and Independence

Overnight camp gives kids the opportunity to practice independence in a safe, supportive environment. Campers make choices, solve problems, and take responsibility for themselves in ways that feel empowering rather than overwhelming. The American Camp Association’s (ACA) 5-Year Impact Study (2019) found that responsibility and independence are two of the most enduring skills developed at overnight camp.

Learning to Thrive in Community

Camp creates a unique living-learning environment where kids practice empathy, communication, and collaboration daily. Cabin life, shared meals, and group challenges teach campers how to navigate friendships and work through differences face-to-face. Studies by the American Camp Association (ACA), as well as our own research at Camp T, have shown that campers experience measurable growth in social skills and overall happiness after attending overnight camp (The Impact of Camp Experiences on Social Skills and Happiness, ACA 2015).

Unplug to Connect with the Real World

With limited access to screens, campers fully engage with their surroundings – nature, activities, and each other. This break from technology helps kids become more present, build deeper relationships, and reconnect with their own creativity and curiosity. Harvard-affiliated researchers published a study on the hidden benefits of overnight camp that explored how time at overnight camp supports brain development, emotional regulation, and focus (2022). The Washington Post (2025) also recently reported on the benefits of a cell phone-free camp experience.

Trying New Things and Building Resilience

Camp encourages kids to step outside their comfort zones – trying new activities, learning from mistakes, and celebrating effort over perfection. These experiences foster resilience and a growth mindset that carries into school and everyday life. Not only that, but structured challenges in camp settings help children develop confidence, adaptability, and emotional strength.

Memories and Friendships to Last a Lifetime

Camp friendships are built through shared experiences – campfires, teamwork, laughter, and late-night cabin conversations. These connections often last far beyond summer and shape how kids build relationships throughout their lives. Experts note that camp environments are uniquely suited for forming lasting friendships and strong interpersonal skills. Our annual Grown Up Camp Weekend at Camp T is proof of these lifelong camp friendships! We have groups of campers who met at camp in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s who come back each fall to reunite and relive their camp days. This past year we even had a counselor who worked at camp in the 1950s return for Grown Up Camp with her daughter!

A Gift that Grows with Your Child

Overnight camp is more than a summer activity – it’s an investment in your child’s growth. Research consistently shows that camp supports independence, confidence, social skills, and emotional well-being long after the session ends. If you want to read more, you can find many other articles and research studies about why camp matters on the American Camp Association’s (ACA) Research Page. 

As we prepare for another unforgettable summer on Birch Lake, we’re proud to offer an experience grounded not only in tradition and fun – but in proven outcomes that support kids for life.