Summer camps are a fantastic social opportunity
It’s the day before the last day of summer camp, and honestly? I’m feeling all the emotions. Watching my kids grow, stretch, and shine these past couple of weeks has been incredible. From the early jitters on day one to now — where they’re basically begging for camp to never end — I can confidently say: they’ve loved every minute. 💛 So Here is my honest opinion on why Summer camps are a fantastic social opportunity
Not only did they enjoy it… they embraced it.
Fully.
Completely.
Joyfully.
They played their hearts out, made friends with kids of all ages, and reminded me once again just how resilient, socially capable, and adaptable they are — even without a traditional classroom.
💬 A Few Bumps — But So Much Growth
Of course, no experience with kids is without its hiccups.
“This child called me stupid.”
“Someone said they didn’t like my name.”
Little things, yes. But moments that matter.
And you know what? They handled it. They didn’t let those passing comments derail their day or dampen their spirit. They stood up for themselves, brushed it off, and went right back to having fun. That’s real-world social development, and to me, it’s more valuable than any worksheet or classroom test.
🗣️ About That “Socialization” Argument…
As a homeschooling mum, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard:
“But aren’t you worried about socialization?”
After this summer camp? I feel like I’ve earned the right to say:
Nope. Not worried. Not even a little.
My kids:
- Made new friends
- Spoke up for themselves
- Adapted to a totally new environment with confidence
And guess what? They did all of this without needing to sit in rows, raise their hands to speak, or be told to stop talking to their peers.
They were free to move, speak, connect, and just be kids.
And honestly? That’s the kind of socialization I want for them.
⚽ Why Sports Are Everything Right Now
Two of their favorite activities this summer were GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association sports) and dodgeball — and I was SO here for it.
🏐 What GAA Teaches:
GAA isn’t just fun — it’s life skill training in disguise. Whether it’s Gaelic football it’s all about:
- Teamwork – They have to work together and learn to support one another.
- Discipline – Following the rules and respecting the coach requires focus.
- Resilience – They fall, they fail, they get back up again. Every. Single. Time.
🔴 Why Dodgeball Matters:
I used to underestimate dodgeball… until I saw what it teaches:
- Quick thinking
- Spatial awareness
- Healthy competition
- Self-control and sportsmanship
More than that, these games help kids become better communicators. They learn how to encourage others, resolve mini-conflicts on the field, and express themselves with confidence.
📚 According to professionals, sports can help kids build:
- Stronger communication
- Better emotional regulation
- Reduced anxiety
- Higher self-esteem
So yes, I am 100% that homeschooling mum who believes sports are just as important as reading and maths — maybe even more sometimes.
🌱 Why Outdoor Time Still Wins
After camp, my kids grab a snack and then ask:
“Can we go back outside?”
So, off they go — and honestly, it fills my heart.
They:
- Train the dogs 🐾
- Dig in the garden 🌱
- Make forts
- Invent worlds
- Get dirty. Really dirty.
This is learning. It’s not forced. It’s not measured by grades. But it’s real.
It’s about curiosity, problem-solving, imagination, and nature.
And I often wonder… do most school kids still get to do this?
👂 We Talk. We Listen. We Take Turns.
In my home, if all the kids start shouting over each other (which happens!), I gently say:
“Take your turn.
Listen to each other.
Mama will give you your turn.”
No one is ignored. No one is rushed. We talk it out and I give a chance to everyone of them.
I’m not saying schools are bad — I just know they aren’t set up for this kind of emotional presence and patience. And that’s okay. But it’s also why I homeschool.
🏡 Homeschooling Isn’t Hiding — It’s Intentional
I don’t homeschool to isolate my kids. I homeschool so they can grow freely, confidently, and at their own pace. Summer camp didn’t just confirm that they’re “doing okay” without school — it showed me they’re thriving.
They don’t need desks and bells and rigid routines to learn.
They need freedom, connection, guidance, and play.
✨ Takeaways for Other Parents
Here’s what this experience taught me — and maybe it’ll help you, too:
- Summer camps are a fantastic social opportunity for homeschoolers
- Sports build far more than just physical strength — they build emotional intelligence
- Outdoor play fosters creativity, focus, and resilience
- And kids don’t need a classroom to learn — they need to be heard, seen, and encouraged
📚 Resources I Love:
