The A2 Vertical View for 1/10/25: Matt Tarver-Wahlquist, Executive Director, Washtenaw Camp Placement
WashtenawCampPlacement.org
Through youthful eyes, the main reason to go to camp is to have a wonderful time! After all, there are lots of activities that are fun, new friends, good meals and snacks, and a stress-free time in the natural world.
From an older and wiser point of view, you can appreciate that the enhanced confidence, social skills and sense of independence learned at camp will be an asset to your child as he or she returns home and goes back to school. Traits learned at camp help reduce future risky behaviors.
Specifically, data indicates that our campers show growth or improvement in more than half of the following outcomes, as rated by camp counselors and directors:
Increased self-esteem and positive self image
Independence, self-reliance and confidence
Decision-making
Sense of belonging with peers and adults
Living and working with others from different backgrounds
Testing own abilities and limits
Participating cooperatively
Sense of structure and purpose for a day
Safety consciousness
Leadership and group skills
Taking care of self and belongings
Appreciation for the natural world
In addition to financial support, we prepare each camper by providing orientation, essential supplies and gear, paperwork assistance, and transportation, ensuring that camp is a fully accessible, rewarding experience for every student.