Camp may not seem like a worthwhile investment when there are so many other ways your child could spend their summer. But kids can learn so many new things while spending a week or more at a camp. Everything from meeting great friends to trying something like rock-climbing or horseback-riding for the first time can happen at camp. Of all the many great benefits of sending your kid to camp, here are three that you should consider.

They Will Meet New Friends

For many kids, especially the more extroverted ones, making new friends is one of their favorite things about camp. For more introverted kids, this may be more of a stressor, but it can also help them work past their inhibitions. Because children are placed into bunks or cabins with a handful of new kids for a week at camp, they can learn to find commonalities quickly, develop friendships that go past that one week, and, as a result, strengthen their social skills.

2. They Go Tech-Free

There is no doubt that society is becoming more and more centered around technology. Children as young as a year old can be seen playing with tablets and cell phones. As a result, many kids may not be getting the right balance of physical activity in their lives. This could lead to a bevy of health problems later on, from obesity to depression to struggles in the classroom. However, camps provide a great opportunity for kids to ditch their phones, tablets, and computers and get their hands dirty! By attending an adventure camp or a youth sports camp, kids can get active and remember what it is like to simply go outside and play.

3. They Learn Independence

When kids are dropped off at camp, they can suddenly find themselves in a position to make far more decisions than they might make at home. Of course, this depends on the camp and the age of the camper, but often times campers will have a chance to choose between different activities, foods, and games. This gives kids the chance to practice independent decision-making and learn to put themselves out there, all valuable skills that can benefit them greatly in life.

It can be incredible to see the difference a week or more at camp can make on a child. They may go into the week shy, uncertain of themselves, and uninterested, but come back enthusiastic, refreshed, and full of more self-confidence. No matter what camp they attend, kids can really benefit from getting outside, trying new things, and meeting new kids their own age.