family camping on a tight budget

When you're a parent of an adolescent who has expressed interest in going to summer camp, you may find yourself evaluating the pros and cons of co-ed summer camp versus a camp where your child would exclusively be with children of his of her gender. Initially, you might have a few reservations about sending your child off to co-ed camp, given the potential for mischief that adolescent boys and girls can discover. However, you shouldn't rule out co-ed summer camp just for this reason; instead, you should be open to considering the many benefits of this type of camping setup. Here are some reasons to enroll your child in co-ed summer camp.

It Can Improve His/Her Relationships

It's helpful for adolescents to be exposed to as many different situations as possible, and this includes being given the opportunity to spend time with those of the opposite gender. It's easy for adolescents to make friends only within their gender, and while this might not really bother you, it can be limiting. For example, a boy who is only friends with other boys may repeat this pattern as he ages, and this may lead to challenges when he inevitably begins to socialize with young women. Exposure to the other gender in summer camp gives children a chance to understand each other and build strong, healthy friendships.

It Offers Balance

One of the big advantages of boys and girls being together is that they balance each other out. While different children's personalities are always unique, being able to encounter challenges with the other gender can be useful. For example, if there's some sort of obstacle that a group of campers has to overcome, young boys may automatically resort to brawn — perhaps trying to solve a problem physically. With young girls in the equation, however, balance is achieved, as the girls may offer different ideas for solving the issue. Perspectives that are from both genders, of course, can help to make a well-rounded teenager.

The World Beyond School Is Diverse

If your child is enrolled in a boys- or girls-only school, you might feel that a similar approach to summer camp is best. However, you need to remember that while schools can group members of one gender together, the real world is much more diverse. Giving your child exposure to members of the other gender, especially if his or her school doesn't do so, promotes diversity and understanding, thus suitably preparing the child for life beyond the classroom.

To learn more, contact a summer camp like Camp Walt Whitman.