Sending kids to sleepaway camp has become a growing trend in recent years, with parents spending over $1,000 per week their kids to attend camp. Going to one of these camps is a great opportunity to try new things, express yourself and make friendships that will last a lifetime.

These camps are scattered all over the country, with some focused on sports such as soccer or gymnastics, while others are more academic, focusing on math or science. If you do not wish to focus on just one subject, there are still other options. There are camps that encompass all activities.

Activities at camp are not limited to athletic or bonding opportunities; campers sometimes will go out and help the community.

“My camp helps people rebuild their homes who are less fortunate and need help. Knowing that I get to help people live their lives comfortably is what made me go to camp,” said freshman Tess Karrh.

Karrh goes to a camp in Weaverville, NC called ReCreation. She has gone to this camp for two years now and loves it.

People can build amazing relationships by attending summer camp. For example, Hillary Mauser feels she is closer with her camp friends than home friends. “I don’t get to see them over the year so we connect in a shorter time. Also, I live with them for seven weeks,” she said.

Being able to go to a summer sleep away camp is an experience of a lifetime. I, myself, go to a sleepaway camp in Naples, ME called Camp Mataponi. The owners, Marcy and Dan Isdaner, live in Jupiter, FL and have made this their life’s work.

This summer will be my seventh and final summer. Without this place I would not be the person I am today. Being at camp has taught me social skills that you cannot learn anywhere else. I have been taught many different sports such as archery and wakeboarding. But most importantly, I have built friendships that will last me a lifetime.