Why Sending Your Child to Camp Is Worth It!

When you’re choosing a summer experience for your child, the options can feel endless: sports, specialty camps, enrichment programs, and everything in between. We know camp can come with a higher price tag than some alternatives, but it also offers something truly special: experiences and growth that can’t always be replicated elsewhere.

Here’s why camp continues to be a meaningful investment for families year after year.

A safe space to explore and be themselves
Camp is a welcoming environment where kids are encouraged to show up just as they are. They get to try new things, take healthy risks, and discover what they enjoy without the pressure to be perfect. Will they love every single moment? Probably not. But our hope is that every camper finds something that clicks, whether it’s an activity, a new friend, or even just lunchtime laughs.

Opportunities to discover new interests
New experiences spark curiosity. Camp introduces kids to activities they may not encounter anywhere else, sometimes uncovering passions that last long after summer ends. We intentionally refresh our programming each year, blending exciting new opportunities with well-loved favorites, so every child has the chance to try, grow, and succeed.

A broader view of the world
Camp brings together children from different schools, neighborhoods, and backgrounds. At Carson Simpson Farm, our camp community draws families from over 20 miles away, creating a diverse and inclusive environment. In a place rooted in respect and care for one another, campers learn to see others with compassion and understanding.

Real-life friendship skills

Making friends isn’t always easy, and camp is a great place to practice. Campers learn how to introduce themselves, join groups, work through disagreements, and navigate social challenges with the guidance of caring staff (and without parents stepping in—no offense!). These skills build confidence and carry into school and everyday life.

Engagement that prevents the “summer slide”
Many families worry about kids losing momentum over the summer—and camp offers a healthy balance of rest, play, and learning. Through reading, creative arts, problem-solving activities, outdoor exploration, and hands-on projects, campers stay curious and engaged without the pressure of a classroom. They build independence, practice decision-making, and learn to manage their time in a supportive environment. With limited screen use and plenty of opportunities to move, imagine, and explore, camp helps kids return to school feeling confident, refreshed, and ready to learn.

And most importantly… fun

At its core, camp is about joy. It’s a place to laugh loudly, get a little silly, run outside, and form friendships that last far beyond the summer. One of our top rules at CSF is simple: have fun. Because if kids aren’t enjoying themselves, what’s the point?

From first-time campers to returning families, Carson Simpson Farm is a place where kids are known, supported, and encouraged to grow. Camp isn’t just something to fill the summer—it’s a space where friendships form, confidence builds, and children experience the joy of belonging.