5 Ways Summer Camp Supports Your Child’s Growth

It’s almost that time of year when every parent starts planning for the long-awaited summer break. And if you’re looking for summer camp options in Gainesville, Florida, then you know just how intense summer break planning has become. With many a mom on staff here at Sun Country Sports, we wanted to take a step back and get back to stress-free basics. That’s why we’ve created this exclusive summer camp blog series to help make your life a little less stressful when it comes to choosing camp! 

First up in the series, we’re shining a light on how choosing the right summer camp can be more than just a fun way for your child to spend their summer; it can also come with lots of benefits that support your childhood growth and development. Thinking about these intangible benefits can help you make an informed decision about a camp that aligns with your child’s needs and interests.

Here are five ways that summer camps support your child’s growth

1. Screen-Free Fun: Unplug at Camp Sunny Summer Camp in Gainesville

Every modern parent knows exactly how easy it is for screen time to fill a kiddo’s day, which is why opportunities for screen-free fun get the gold star from us.  With Camp Sunny being all about fitness, friendship, and fun, campers get a break from screens and technology, allowing them to get active and have fun, unplugged. We know that active kids = healthy kids = happy kids, and we’re proud to offer Gainesville’s most active summer camp, with daily activities that include:

  • Gymnastics
  • Trampoline and Bounce Houses
  • Dance
  • Ninja
  • Swimming and Water Slides
  • Rock Climbing and Indoor Fun Walls
  • Obstacle Courses
  • Creative Group Games
  • Outdoor Playground, Gaga Ball Pit and more!

2. Camp Activities Improve Teamwork & Problem-Solving Skills

Summer camps often involve group activities and team-based activities, which allow children to learn how to work together towards a common goal in a pressure-free setting. Through creative group games at Camp Sunny, campers learn the value of cooperation, communication, and compromise while working with their peers.

3. Weekly Field Trips Offer Fun Learning Opportunities

Camp Sunny offers weekly field trips to different destinations around town at no additional cost!  Some of our past favorites include: the planetarium at the Santa Fe Zoo, Corks & Colors, and the UF Gators football stadium. Not only do these experiences provide a fun break from the daily routine, but they also offer fun learning opportunities for all campers to help prevent summer learning loss.

4. Camp Sunny Provides a Safe Environment to Try New Things

Parents consistently tell us that one reason they believe Camp Sunny is the best summer camp in Gainesville is due to our robust commitment to safety and high-quality programs. Did you know that we’re licensed by DCF and nationally accredited through the Council on Accreditation? In turn, our camp staff are required to go through rigorous safety and child development training per licensure and accreditation guidelines. This means you can rest assured that Camp Sunny provides a safe, supportive environment for children to try new things, allowing them to explore their interests and discover new passions, worry-free!

5. Summer Camp Instills Confidence and Builds Resilience

It’s common for children to be exposed to new challenges and unfamiliar situations that may push them out of their comfort zone at summer camp. As they learn to adapt and overcome these challenges, they become more resilient and better equipped to handle difficult situations in the future.

Additionally, with so many fun activities to choose from at Camp Sunny, campers gain a sense of accomplishment and develop confidence in their abilities as they participate week after week. This newfound confidence can extend beyond the camp and positively impact their self-esteem in other areas of their life!

Bonus: Specialty Camps Offer Opportunities to Hone Sports-Specific Skills

For kids who are interested in a specific sport or activity, specialty camps offer the opportunity to hone their skills, receive specialized training from experienced coaches, and possibly pursue competitive levels in the future. This not only helps improve their abilities but also instills a sense of dedication and discipline as they work towards achieving their goals. Whether it’s 

gymnastics, dance, swimming, or rock wall, Camp Sunny offers various specialty camps to cater to and support a wide range of kiddos’ passions.

Here are the dates for our 2025 Specialty Camps: 

  • June 9-13: Ninja
  • June 16-20: Swim
  • June 23-27: Dance
  • June 30-July 3: Cheer and Tumbling
  • July 7-11: Rockwall
  • July 14-18: Gymnastics
  • July 21-25: Rockwall
  • July 28- August 1: Ninja
  • August 4-7: Gymnastics

Registration Opens March 3rd for Camp Sunny Summer Camp

In conclusion, the benefits of summer camp are far-reaching—from new friendships and unforgettable memories to valuable life skills and boosted confidence, summer camp experiences help kids grow in so many ways! Here at Camp Sunny,  we pride ourselves on providing a nurturing and exciting environment where campers can grow, learn, and thrive.

  • Registration for Camp Sunny opens on March 3rd! We can’t wait to welcome your child to a summer they’ll never forget – Register Now!