Benefits of Summer Camp for Preschoolers

It’s well known that summer camp and summer school have many benefits for school-aged children and families. It’s where many kids from elementary to high school make lifelong friends, learn new skills, and discover their interests and passions. 

But did you know that preschoolers can also benefit immensely from summer camp? Summer camp is great for child development — it allows young children to explore the outdoors, make new friends, and engage in various age-appropriate activities. 

Learn more about summer camp for preschoolers, what makes it a holistic growth experience, and if it’s right for your family. 

What is a Preschool Summer Camp?

A preschool summer camp is a structured and organized program designed for children in the preschool age range, typically around 3 to 5 years old, during the summer months. These camps are often held at various venues, such as community centers, schools, or specialized camp facilities, and are led by trained staff or teachers. 

Preschool summer camps provide young children with a range of activities and experiences tailored to their developmental needs. These activities can include arts and crafts, outdoor play, nature exploration, music and movement, storytelling, and basic educational components to keep the children engaged and learning during the summer break. The focus is on providing a fun and nurturing environment where preschoolers can socialize, learn new skills, and develop independence, all while enjoying the summer season.

At Brooks School Day Camp, our Group One half-day experience is specifically designed for the advanced development of our youngest campers. A carefully crafted half-day schedule allows for a balance of free play and guided instruction. During a typical day, families can expect campers to engage in: 

• Senstory, where campers will build confidence through art, exploration, and creativity. 
• Daily swim lessons
• Gymnastics
• Arts & Crafts
• Tennis
• Drama
• Music
• Sports

Benefits of Summer Camp for Preschoolers

1. Structure

Summer camp can serve as an introductory experience to the school environment, especially for youngsters who haven’t attended daycare. It offers children the chance to become familiar with concepts such as adhering to a daily schedule, understanding group rules, managing their belongings (like backpacks and lunchboxes), and cooperating with other kids in a group context.

2. Socialization

Summer camps provide an opportunity for preschoolers to interact with other children, helping them develop social skills, make new friends, and learn how to work together in a group setting.

3. Outdoor Exploration

Summer camps offer preschoolers outdoor activities, such as nature hikes and outdoor games, allowing preschoolers to connect with nature, develop an appreciation for the environment, and engage in physical activity. At Brooks, campers will always participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. 

4. Creativity

The plethora of imaginative activities offered at Brooks — including Arts & Crafts, Sensory Play, Music, Explorations, and Drama — stimulate our young campers’ imaginations and self-expression, fostering their creativity.

5. Reduced Screen Time

One of the biggest benefits of camp is not only that it provides busy families with childcare during the summer, but it also offers a break from excessive screen time, promoting face-to-face interaction and hands-on activities. 

Many times, it’s difficult to constantly keep young children entertained or engaged. By sending them to a program like Brooks, they’ll be under the professional care and guidance of our trained staff of educators and child development specialists. 

Sign Up for Summer Camp Today

At Brooks, we provide our campers with a variety of activities that no other local camp can equal. Taking full advantage of our 270-acre campus on the shore of Lake Cochichewick, our highly qualified staff offers specialized instruction in a wide array of activities. Children will engage in hands-on fun as they participate in both indoor and outdoor activities that change with each day. 

We hope to see you this summer! Reach out to us today to learn more about how your preschooler can benefit from summer camp.