What is the Purpose of Summer Camp?

Summer camp at OFY allows teens to develop lifelong skills and strengthen their spiritual foundation, as well as their physical, mental, and emotional health. A summer camp should provide teens with the opportunity to grow through outdoor experiences. 

Today’s youth are growing up with constant digital distractions. We want to show them what summer camps can offer them: real-world connections, self-discovery, and personal growth. OFY aims to show teens that there’s more to life than screens. 

Our unique program is designed to reconnect teens with the outdoors and with themselves as they grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. The power of the outdoors and adventure can have a major positive impact on the youth of this generation. 

Promote Personal Growth

Summer camps should not only be fun, but a meaningful opportunity for teens to develop confidence, independence, and resilience through outdoor challenges and activities. Whether it’s navigating a ropes course or working as a team, these experiences push teens out of their comfort zones in healthy and rewarding ways that promote their personal growth. 

When teens face challenges, they need to learn how to trust themselves, make decisions, and have resilience even when things are hard. These skills are required when they reach adulthood. Moments like these at OFY help youth become more self-aware, responsible, and motivated for everyday life. 

A summer camp should foster personal growth by creating an environment where teens are encouraged to try new things and discover their strengths. 

Encourage a Connection with Nature

We want youth to enjoy what nature has to offer them. That’s why our summer camp focuses on being outdoors as much as possible. Some teens don’t have experience with the outdoors, so a summer camp can give them the opportunity to try new things. 

OFY even has solo reflection time, allowing campers to reflect on the challenges they overcame or how they grew closer to both nature and their Savior. 

We want youth to know that they can have fun even while being outdoors. Our camp counselors encourage campers to adapt to new things and take the time to be one with nature. 

Build Character and Values

It’s often a difficult yet important time when an individual is in their teens. They’re discovering who they are and who they want to become. Teens are trying to regulate their emotions, learn how to connect with others, and make the right choices. 

They’re under a lot of pressure at this stage in life. At OFY, we understand this. That’s why we want to build teens’ character and values at our summer camp. 

Create Meaningful Friendships

Summer camps are all about having fun and making new, lasting friendships. When a teen goes to summer camp, they may not know anyone there. OFY will place teens in groups for team-building activities, outdoor adventures, and faith-centered discussions. This way, they’ll get to know more teens with similar values and testimonies of the gospel. 

Everyone needs a friend—and summer camp is the right place to find one. 

Key Takeaways 

Summer camp gives teens the chance to step away from the distractions of the world and discover who they want to become. OFY provides opportunities for teens to grow personally, connect with nature, build their character and understand their values, and create meaningful friendships with other campers. 

Help your teen grow into their best self this summer. Enroll them in OFY’s summer camp today!