Life is good when we’re happy. “What makes us happy?” is a question we at Maine Camp Experience recently contemplated and explored. Four key factors emerged in general, which we can specifically observe at Maine Camps:
- Social Connections & Positive Relationships
Positive and meaningful relationships help us thrive. “Humans are social creatures” and “Each of us as individuals cannot provide everything we need for ourselves,” according to a recent CNBC article that shares Harvard study findings. Peers give us safety and security, they encourage us to try new things, they provide emotional support if we’re down, they help strengthen our sense of who we are, they can teach us things and help solve problems, and they can help us have fun! Social connections and meaningful relationships help us feel engaged, integrated, supported, and cared for.
Close relationships at Maine Camps are incredible and beneficial. Away from screens and tech devices, campers and staff have uninterrupted time together. Campers and staff make eye contact, talk, connect, share their feelings, share the fun, and support each other. Bonds that start at age 7 or 8 can often last a lifetime.
- Beautiful Surroundings & Spending Time in Nature
“Living in a scenic, picturesque, or charming community, with lots of trees and green space, makes people happier. And, Numerous studies support the notion that spending time in nature is good for you. We know that walking on quiet, tree-lined paths can result in meaningful improvements to mental health, and even physical changes to the brain. Nature walkers have “quieter” brains: scans show less blood flow to the part of the brain associated with rumination. Some research shows that even looking at pictures of nature can improve your mood,” according to a recent article by The New York Times about How to Be Happy.
Maine campers and staff benefit from spending time in Maine, the “Pine Tree” state. They enjoy time on huge, natural lakes; on vast, tree-lined fields; and in forests for hiking, biking, climbing, horseback riding, and more. Campers breathe fresh air deeply, take a break from at-home stresses, relax, rejuvenate, and recharge.
- Exercise and Being Active
Exercise boosts feelings of happiness. As we know, exercise helps release chemicals that make us feel happy and suppress feelings of anxiety.
At Maine Camps, kids and staff are very active. There are so many ways campers enjoy exercise: watersports (swimming, sailing, paddling), land sports (tennis, golf, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, volleyball), active adventures (ropes courses, rock climbing), dancing, yoga, gymnastics, and so much more! These activities keep campers mindful, moving, and grooving.
- Finding Your Passion and Accomplishing
Kids often discover their passion at Maine Camps. They may become better at something they’ve already tried and enjoyed at home, OR they make get the opportunity to learn something new. City and/or landlocked kids may find they love sailing and waterskiing on the big Maine lakes. “Sporty” kids may find that they love acting and singing in camp productions. Playing lacrosse or tennis or horseback riding may be something kids don’t have time for or access to at home, but may become their favorite thing to do. Children who may be picky eaters at home can turn into adventurous chefs; children who may be hesitant about heights may love high ropes courses or climbing the rock wall. Non-bike riders can become total BMX bandits! Kids may find their passion in the arts like ceramics, photography, or filmmaking – they just needed that push and some good instruction. Even just going from being shy at home to being more open and friendly at camp can be transformative. Like this verywellmind article states: “making progress toward goals and gaining a sense of achievement” help bring happiness. Learning something new and excelling is very satisfying.
So when you ask: Why Camp? Think: It makes us happy!!
Sources:
Talk to Laurie, our Maine Campcierge®, about choosing the right camp for your child and what to do in Maine.
Call 877-92-MAINE
