Summer camps are often pushed out of the parental agenda because they don’t concern anybody; they are simply treated as a waste of time.

However, studies have shown that we might have to reschedule them back into our calendars – because they happen to be beneficial for hyperactive children.

Why is that? you may ask.

Let’s find out:

 

Being Physically Active Uses Energy

Funnily enough, this happens to be the most obvious yet overlooked benefit of summer camps – the activities they make children do use up so much energy that hyper children are too exhausted by bedtime. Letting their extra energy loose through rigorous activities is the best non-medical approach to help children manage hyperactivity disorders like ADHD.

Effective Ways to Learn Self Control

Hyper children have the most trouble exhibiting self-control. Fortunately, summer camps have policies of discipline that they incorporate within fun games. This makes them learn self-control and patience – unintentionally! Here are a few common examples:

• Speaking quietly and acting calmly around animals like horses
• Focusing intently, and concentrating closely during activities like arts and crafts
• Learning the sequence for things like tying a knot of rope, putting up a tent and more.
  
  

Gain in Cooperation Skills

Summer camps offer a multitude of situations – both planned and unplanned – that help hyperactive children learn their cooperation skills. While taking part in group activities like camping, collecting things etc., children often have to work together and coordinate. This gives hyper children the perfect chance to learn coping and cooperation skills that can help them become more socially adept, and more able to learn techniques to self-regulate, deal with conflict, cope with frustration, and control impulses.

Increase in self-esteem and self-worth

“There is nonstop activity along with built-in reward systems that give the children something to work toward, so while we are building self-confidence, we are also keeping the kids active and entertained,” says Karen Fleiss, PsyD, the director of the Summer Kids Program for children with ADHD at New York University Medical Center in New York City.

And she is most definitely right. Through merits and congratulatory acknowledgements, hyper children feel confident about themselves, and hence become more willing to improve themselves. An increased feeling of self-worth also helps them recognise empathy such as helping other out during activities, being a good friend and a comforting person. These positive feelings end up lasting a lifetime.

Among the nurseries in Jumeirah and Marina, Oakfield strives for the best summer camps every year, designed for even the most timid and the most hyper children out there. The activities they plan help develop children emotionally as well as mentally. Children get to interact with others and the world around them, helping them grow into aware, responsible adults.

So, next time mark your calendars when you see a summer camp scheme coming round the corner – your child might thank you for it in the future!