Artistic activities can foster creative exploration and self-expression, while also enhancing comprehension and multisensory skills. During the summer months when kids are off school, it’s important to keep their brains active, and the best way to do that with some added fun, is summer camp.
Summertime learning
When kids go on summer break, they often fall into the 'summer slide', which causes them to forget things they learned throughout the past year. There’s a variety of ways to keep kids engaged and learning over the summer, including reading books, practicing French or math problems or enrolling kids in a camp. With a wide variety of camps offered at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton, the summer learning opportunities are endless.
Life-long bonds
At summer camp, there’s a lot of opportunities to make new friends. The Ontario Camping Association (OCA) refers to friendships being one of the most unforgettable parts about camp. With a more intimate setting, campers spend time working together on projects, leading to the development of relationships between campers.
Improvements in school
According to PBS, studies show a connection between art and other achievements. Children and teens who regularly participate in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, participate in a math or science fair, or to win an award for writing an essay or poem than children who do not take part in regular art activities.
Fine motor skills and cognitive development
Arts programs help kids build up fine motor skills by holding utensils like pencils, crayons, chalk and paintbrushes. The development of these skills help children with tasks that require controlled movements like writing or buttoning a jacket. Art also helps children to learn critical thinking skills, which is learned by making a mental plan of a picture they want to draw, and following through with their plan.
Building up social skills
Art can be used as a secondary communication method for kids. Often, children express themselves through creativity and the same creative projects can help to express emotions, gain a confidence boost and learn to work well with others. Working with others on projects can teach kids negotiation skills and how to appreciate different perspectives.
