Catie Young, Youth Development Director pictured right with Assistant Director Natalie Woods.
By Catie Young, Downtown Youth Development Director
As we continue our journey towards Summer 2025, we’re sharing stories and insights that illuminate the philosophy behind our camp program. This week, we’re diving into a fascinating experiment from Camp Stomping Ground, founded by the innovative Jack Schott (Summer Camp Society), and what it taught us about the importance of structure.
Imagine a camp with no bedtime. Sounds like a dream come true for kids, right? That’s exactly what Camp Stomping Ground tried with their “Camp No Bedtime” experiment. They had their regular daytime and evening programs, a closing ceremony called “embers,” and then…an “after party” with no set lights-out time. Over 150 kids were given the ultimate freedom.
The counselors figured the kids would eventually tire themselves out and drift off to sleep. But here’s what actually happened:
- 10 PM: 40 kids were still wide awake and playing in the gym.
- 11 PM: Still 40 kids!
- 2 AM: Unbelievably, 40 kids were still going strong.
The counselors, completely exhausted, finally had to close the gym. And guess what? The kids were relieved. They were battling serious FOMO (fear of missing out), not wanting to miss a single moment of fun. But they were also utterly exhausted.
That was the last night of “Camp No Bedtime.” The rest of the week went smoothly with a regular schedule.
The Lesson Learned?
While kids might think a free-for-all is the ultimate dream, they actually thrive on structure. They crave choices, but within a safe and predictable environment.
At our camp, we understand this balance. We provide opportunities for choice activities within a structured and supervised setting. This allows children to:
- Develop Decision-Making Skills: We learn how to make good choices by making them, not just by following directions.
- Build Independence: Kids gain confidence in their ability to make decisions within a safe framework.
- Learn to Manage Their Time and Energy: They learn to balance fun and rest, a crucial skill for life.
- Feel Secure and Supported: Structure provides a sense of security and predictability, allowing kids to relax and fully engage in the camp experience.
We’re not just providing fun activities; we’re helping children develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. We’re guiding them on how to decide, how to choose, and how to balance their desires with their needs.
This summer, your children will experience the perfect blend of choice and structure, allowing them to grow, learn, and create unforgettable memories.
To learn more about the camps offered by the Columbia YMCA visit our Summer Camps Page here!
