Did you know that every year more than 14 million Americans of all ages attend summer camp? That isn’t surprising to us, as we have seen summer camp experiences instill confidence and independence in our campers (not to mention they’re just downright fun!) An attractive and important aspect of camps is that they can be specialized. Have a child that is interested in the arts? Learn to play a musical instrument, sculpt an inspired masterpiece, shine on stage… or do all three! Here are some benefits your child will experience at summer arts camps.
A Diverse Skill Set
A study of children who grew up learning the arts revealed that “students who chose an arts elective not only had better grades in elementary school than their peers, but also showed stronger social, behavioral, language, motor, and cognitive skills seven years earlier in preschool,” The Week Writes. To help your child get their foot in the door, encourage and nurture their love for art, music, and/or theater.
Expression
Creating art, music, and theatre gives kids and teens opportunities to express themselves creatively. Art inspires children to put their thoughts, feelings, and emotions, colors, sounds, shapes, and actions into words. Acting classes for young children help them consider how people feel and how they express those feelings. Children who are learning drawing and painting begin to consider what colors suit their art best and why.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) reveals that one in six young children — just six to 17 years old — experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. Children involved in the arts indirectly learn how to manage these symptoms from a young age. “The arts help children express themselves through movement, color, sound, imagination, and experience joy, beauty, and wonder. Visual art, dance, music, and theatre are outlets that may be comfortable for the child to use to show their emotions. Having a supportive environment with experienced, caring teachers is key to children feeling safe to express themselves,” says Regina Ziliani, owner of Charlotte Academy of Music.
Taking risks
The arts teach your child to take risks when trying something new, and summer camp is the perfect place to do just that. Learning to bravely express themselves through the arts instills confidence and inspires your kids to do it again, which helps them develop into forward-thinking teens and adults. Find a camp with experienced teachers, an inspiring curriculum, and a nurturing environment and your child will be on their way to developing new skills, making new friends, and finding new avenues for creative expression!