What my kids learned from going to Y Camp for more than one year

One of our Y Camp Moms, Kathlyn (whose three daughters have attended Y Camp for several years), recently shared with us some tips for making the camp experience even better for your kids.

Kathlyn also shared her thoughts on the benefits of attending camp for multiple years.

Here's what her kids learned from going to Y Camp for more than one year:

1. At first, when they were younger, they learned that they could go away from home for more than one night and have a blast. They learned how to get really dirty. And they started to learn about setting goals.

2. When they were a bit older, they learned how to get along with all kinds of different kids from all walks of life. They learned about how fun traditions can be as they came back to the same cabins and campfires and counselors and food.

3. As they got into middle school and junior high, they learned the importance of being true to the goals that they had set for themselves. They learned about responsibility for themselves, and for others. They learned that there are really amazing people around them who have risen above really bad circumstances. And they learned compassion and respect for kids who came from broken lives, and learned to help or applaud or just give a hug. They learned the importance of the chance to just be a kid.

4. As they became counselors-in-training and assistant counselors, they learned personal responsibility, the importance of being a role model to other kids, and the impact that one person can have in a child's life.

For all these gifts that the Y Camp gave my kids, I will be forever grateful.