One of the greatest things kids can learn is how to work as a team, as skill that will serve them well in so many parts of their lives, from youth athletic leagues to school projects, college academics and the workplace.
Being a “good team player” and knowing how to work with all sorts of people toward a common goal certainly makes you a valued commodity in our society, and activities like summer camp makes learning this valuable ability a whole lot of fun.
Kids can learn to function as a team in many ways, and if you keep your eye out at summer camp visits, you’ll notice campers involved in activities in places like the low ropes courses as well as on all sorts of playing fields, in swimming pools and out on the lake.
What is a Team Player?
A team player is less an “it’s all about me” kind of person and more a “go team” sort. Kids who help out at home and in the classroom, include others in games and activities and know how to both lead and follow tend to grow into more successful young adults.
Ropes Course Activities
Lots of companies use the lower part of a ropes course for team building activities, and kids at overnight summer camps get a jump on the action. Whereas the high ropes course focuses on more physical challenges, the low ropes course is chock full of trust building and problem solving activities, all geared toward helping campers learn how to work together effectively toward a common goal, all while getting to know each other better and having buckets of fun.
Theatrical Teamwork
Theatrical activities from summer camp campfire skits to local talent shows and community theater stage productions pretty much require kids to work as a team if the show is going to go on. Many stage companies routinely use teamwork activities to form a cohesive cast and crew before a show gets into full swing.
However, even little summer camp productions have actors, writers, directors, stage builders, lighting crews and stage managers. Each person has his or her role and has to learn how to work with all the other team members whether they get along with them particularly well or not. Opening night is the deadline and everyone has to pull together to meet it successfully!
On the Playing Field
From organized youth athletics to school sports and summer camp fun, the playing fields can be a super way to learn to be a team player. Of course summer camp is brimming with all kinds of games, from beloved standard gaga ball and rowdy camp color wars to traditional sports like basketball, softball and soccer.
At camp, counselors encourage youngsters to celebrate everybody’s contribution and truly work together to play the best game possible. Everyone cheers everyone else on and the end result is lots of fun whether the team wins or loses.
Everyday Teamwork
There are so many ways kids to learn to work as a team, especially when they are at places like sleepaway camp where they tend to have more responsibilities.
Even keeping the cabin clean can be a great team building event, since the sooner clothes are picked up and beds made, the sooner the day’s fun can begin. From helping the team win at a swimming relay race to prompting an actor in the campfire skit, sleepaway camp is full of opportunities for kids to learn how to work as a team.
If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.
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