Top 10 Benefits of School Holiday Camps

So… why exactly do we think you should be sending kids and teens on camp?

It’s not just because we’re biased. We believe in the power of camp, and we’ve been lucky enough to see countless young people impacted by their experiences as campers. So, if you’re considering signing up for camp, we’d like to help make your decision a little easier!

We’ve put together a list of the ten biggest benefits of school holiday camp programs. Honestly, the list could go on and on – but, for the sake of time, ten will have to do. Let’s dive into it.

To ask any questions about our upcoming camp programs, contact CYC Ministries today.

#1 The Holiday Entertainment is Sorted!

School holidays always come around faster than expected. That last minute hustle to find plans for kids and teens during their term break is always a point of stress – but it doesn’t have to be!

Heading on camp is a fun, active, and community-based way to fill up several days of the holidays. Whether you’re working and looking for supervision, or whether you’d like a few days with an empty house, signing up for camp is a win-win. All the entertainment is organised for you, and your camper will get the experience of a lifetime… what could be better?

#2 Building Relationships

Going to camp isn’t just about playing games and hanging out by the campfire (though those are both great, too!). Campers get to connect with an incredible community of people their age, bonding through the experiences they share and the amazing discussion times they have together. Is there any faster way of making friends than getting covered in mud during messy games together or racing down the waterslide?

The camp community is powerful. Campers get to meet people they never would have connected with otherwise, often from all across Victoria. And, as per tradition, they’re sure to be scrambling for ways to stay in contact when it’s time for sign-out.

#3 Trying New Experiences

There’s no place quite like camp. Where else can you zoom down a 110-metre waterslide, zip across the site on a flying fox, conquer your fears on the high ropes course, or try your hand at canoeing? No matter which site they go to, your camper is bound to have opportunities to try various new activities and experiences. From colour powder wars to capture-the-flag, every day is sure to be memorable.

#4 Unplugging for a Week

All CYC Holiday Camps are tech free. For some young people, hearing that makes them not want to come to camp at all! But we promise that the break will be worth it.

When our eyes are locked on screens all day every day, even during school hours, it can be unbelievably refreshing to take a step back. Campers get to put all their energy into building friendships, enjoying the fresh air, and throwing themselves into various games and activities. The community we’re able to build when we aren’t scrolling through social media is amazing – even in just a handful of days! Camp is a great way to get young people unplugged, reconnected to those around them, and enjoying everything the great outdoors has to offer.

#5 Personal Growth

We’ve seen countless transformations over the course of camp – sometimes it’s campers coming back season after season, and sometimes it’s watching someone come out of their shells over just five days! Camp is a place to develop key social and personal skills, with programs specifically designed to engage young people in experiences that build these key life skills.

#6 Learning More About Life & Faith

At CYC Ministries, our Christian faith is at the core of everything that we do. Everyone is welcome on our camps, regardless of their personal backgrounds or beliefs, but our programs will have daily Christian input. These sessions will be targeted towards the appropriate age groups, with a guest speaker in to present on various aspects of faith. Campers will get a chance to split off into their cabin groups to ask questions, provoke deeper thought, and discuss matters of life and faith.

#7 Spending Time With Incredible Leaders

Our camps are run by an incredible team of volunteer leaders. These leaders take time out of work and school to come on camp, simply because they’re passionate about building up the next generation. Your camper will get to spend a week with one or two leaders who will cheer them on, care for them, and invest in their well-being.

#8 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

A part of our goal on camp is to create a safe space for young people to step out of their comfort zones. This can come in all shapes and sizes – be it getting to know a new group of people or scaling the high ropes course. Our encouraging and supportive community of leaders and campers is here to cheer on everyone on camp. We provide opportunities to step out and conquer fears, and we’ll help make it happen in any way we can!

#9 Making Memories

Why let another school holidays pass by? Coming on camp makes the term break unforgettable! Every moment of camp is well worth remembering. From trying out the mountain boards to chatting around the campfire, a week at camp is sure to be something your camper will cherish for years to come.

#10 Having Fun!

Alright, it has to be said. Camp is heaps, and heaps, and heaps of fun!

Our CYC Holiday Camp programs are designed to engage different age groups depending on which camp they’re on. We strive to pack every day of camp with as much fun as possible, from wild games to unforgettable outdoor recreational activities. Spending your school holidays on camp is one of the most enjoyable experiences of the year… so why not jump in on the fun?

Sign Up for Camp Today to Secure a Spot

All in all, camp is an impactful and refreshing way to spend the school holidays. If there’s a young person in your life who you think could benefit from the things listed above, then it’s time to sign them up!

Our CYC camp programs can fill up quickly. Click below to check out our full list of upcoming camps and sign up for whichever suits you best. With locations across Victoria and a range of programs to appeal to different interests, there’s sure to be one for you.

Check out more great STORIES FROM CAMP at our blog here