How Summer Camp Builds Independence and Resilience (for Kids—and Parents!)—and Prepares Kids for School

Sending your child to summer camp for the first time can feel like a big step—for both kids and parents! At The School Creative Arts in Mississauga, we see every summer just how much growth happens when children (and families) take this leap together. Here’s how our summer camps help kids build independence, resilience, and real-life confidence—and why parents grow alongside them, too.

A Gentle First Step Toward Independence

Camp is often one of the first times kids spend a full day away from their families in a new setting. At The School, our caring, well-trained staff make that transition smooth and positive. Kids quickly learn they can:

• Unpack their own bags

• Try new activities on their own

• Navigate friendships and teamwork independently

For many parents, it’s a chance to see their child’s confidence blossom. It’s also a reminder that your child is more capable than you realized!

Facing (and Overcoming) Challenges

From learning a new dance step to trying parkour for the first time, every day at camp is full of mini-challenges. Our instructors are experts at supporting kids as they:

• Take healthy risks in a safe environment

• Make mistakes—and learn how to bounce back

• Problem-solve, adapt, and try again

Overcoming challenges in camp helps kids develop the kind of resilience that lasts long after summer ends.

Learning Problem-Solving and Social Skills

Camp is more than just fun and games—it’s a place where kids practice communication, negotiation, and teamwork every day. Whether they’re working together to build a group routine or figuring out a creative solution during an art project, campers build:

• Real-life problem-solving skills

• Empathy and cooperation

• The confidence to speak up and advocate for themselves

School Readiness: Setting Kids Up for Success in Grade One

One of the biggest transitions in a child’s life is starting school. Did you know that attending a high-quality summer camp can actually boost your child’s readiness for Grade One? According to studies from the American Camp Association and educational researchers:

• Kids who attend camp show improved social skills, adaptability, and independence compared to peers who don’t attend camp.

• Campers demonstrate stronger school readiness—such as following routines, communicating needs, and cooperating with peers.

• In one large study, 83% of parents said camp helped their child develop skills they later used for a successful school start.

• Children who participate in organized programs before Grade One are more likely to enter school ready to learn and with higher confidence in classroom settings (source: Harvard Family Research Project).

At The School, our camp environment mirrors many of the routines and social dynamics of school—but with added warmth, encouragement, and fun. Campers learn how to:

• Manage transitions and follow daily schedules

• Listen to instructions from adults other than parents

• Build friendships, resolve conflicts, and work as a team

These are the very skills teachers look for in students entering Grade One!

Growth for Parents, Too

Letting your child take steps toward independence can be hard for parents, especially the first time. Our team is here to support you, too! Parents often tell us that seeing their child thrive at camp helps them:

• Trust their child’s ability to adapt and grow

• Feel confident letting go (just a little!)

• Build connections with other families who are on the same journey

A Supportive, Safe Environment for All

At The School, everything we do is built on respect, inclusion, and care. Our small group sizes, certified staff, and positive discipline approach mean that every child is seen, valued, and encouraged to shine. Families from Mississauga, Port Credit, Clarkson, and Etobicoke trust us to create a summer camp experience where kids can safely explore their independence—and parents can enjoy a little peace of mind.

Sources: American Camp Association, Harvard Family Research Project, “The Impact of Summer Camp Experience on Academic and Social-Emotional Skills.”