As a summer camp director since 1998—and a parent myself—I’ve watched kids grow up in a world that feels more overwhelming than ever. Anxiety, loneliness, and social pressure are real. But I’ve also seen something encouraging: kids today are more aware, more emotionally intelligent, and more open than ever before.
That’s exactly why camp matters.
A great summer camp gives kids something they don’t always get during the school year—a chance to unplug, build confidence, and just be kids. They learn independence, make real friendships, solve problems, and try new things in a safe, supportive environment. It’s fun, yes—but it’s also where resilience, creativity, and social skills take root.
At Kennolyn, our counselors are trained to create a strong sense of belonging while guiding kids through challenges and growth. The structure of camp—active days, supportive routines, and intentional programming—helps kids feel grounded, capable, and connected.
We’ve even partnered with researchers from Stanford to better understand the impact of camp. The results confirmed what we’ve always believed: camp helps build the “real-life” skills kids need most—like perseverance, optimism, self-control, and social awareness. Watch the video here.
And I see and hear about it every day from our camp families:
I wanted to say thank you for the summer experience and all the coordination and love. Kennolyn – her favorite place – brought her back into herself. She is smiling like her old self again. – Katherine
My son typically suffers from social anxiety…He comes home beaming and laughing and so excited about everything he has done…we appreciate all the hard work the counselors pour into making the experience as incredible as it is. – Amanda
If you’re looking for a place where your child can grow, gain confidence, and come home happier (and a little more independent), camp might be exactly what they need. Please reach out if you’d like to learn more.
Happy camping! Dan
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