Why Middle Schoolers Thrive at Sleepaway Camp
I spent many years as a sleepaway camp counselor, and without a doubt, my favorite age group was the 12-, 13-, and 14-year-old campers.
Why? Because they thought they knew everything!
This age group was exciting, fun, challenging, and full of surprises. These kids always seemed to know more than I expected them to, yet they were still deep in their formative years—absorbing the world around them like sponges.
As a counselor, I could joke with them like friends, tell stories they actually understood, and engage with them on a deeper level. At the same time, they watched me closely—how I spoke to others, how I handled pressure, how I disciplined, even how I talked to boys.
They asked tons of questions—some inappropriate, which I had to navigate carefully, and others they felt too uncomfortable asking their parents but felt safe asking me. Being their counselor was rewarding, challenging, and incredibly powerful.
And let’s be real—it’s hard to be a middle schooler.
At that age, kids develop at completely different rates:
🔹 One boy is growing a mustache while his bunkmate’s voice hasn’t even started changing.
🔹 One girl looks like a young woman while another is still happily watching cartoons.
🔹 Some kids feel mature and in control, while others are clinging to childhood.
And here’s the thing—13 is still a great age to go to camp, even for the first time. But…
THE RIGHT CAMP MATTERS.
At this age, choosing the right camp is crucial for a successful experience. So, what can a middle schooler gain from camp?
1. Who Am I?
Camp gives middle schoolers a fresh start—free from the pressures of school, social labels, and parental oversight.
At the right camp, kids get to shed expectations:
✅ No “cool” vs. “uncool” status.
✅ No stress over grades.
✅ No one watching over their every move.
Instead, they discover new strengths:
🏆 The best bed maker.
🏆 The best baseball player.
🏆 The best pottery coil maker.
Whatever it is, camp lets them shine in their own way.
2. Experiment—What Happens at Camp, Stays at Camp!
Middle school is a time of confusion and self-discovery. Camp offers a safe space to experiment—without lifelong consequences.
✔ Try a sport they’d never dare attempt at home.
✔ Take a chance—talk to that girl or boy at the Saturday night BBQ.
✔ Step out of their comfort zone—get on stage, hop on a horse, pick up a camera, try volleyball.
And if something doesn’t work out? No big deal—it stays at camp.
When they return home, they’ve gained confidence and can decide what sticks and what doesn’t.
3. A Safety Net for Growth
For kids to feel free to explore and take risks, they need a strong support system.
At the right camp:
🛡 The culture is built on encouragement and support—not teasing or judgment.
🛡 Counselors serve as mentors—close enough in age to relate, but old enough to provide guidance.
🛡 Campers are surrounded by peers who celebrate effort, not just success.
And as a former counselor, I can say—I loved being part of that.
4. Just Be a Kid!
Middle schoolers who look like young adults are often expected to act like them. But deep down, they still want to be kids.
Camp is a rare chance to let loose—free from school responsibilities, social pressures, and expectations.
It’s a time to:
✔ Laugh until their stomach hurts.
✔ Be silly.
✔ Play without worrying about how they “should” act.
5. Get Back to Nature
Between school, homework, and screens, middle schoolers rarely get a break from constant stimulation.
Camp forces them to unplug—but it’s not always easy.
⚡ The first few days? Withdrawal symptoms.
⚡ After two weeks? A new rhythm kicks in.
They start to feel the power of nature and the joy of real, face-to-face connections.
6. Speaking of Face-to-Face…
Camp forces kids to talk instead of text.
In a world where conversation skills are fading, camp brings them back:
💬 Chatting while walking to activities.
🔥 Sharing stories around the campfire.
🛏 Whispering in bunks late at night, forming lifelong friendships.
At camp, kids relearn how to connect—no screens required.
7. A Bigger Worldview
Middle schoolers often think their world revolves around school, home, and their immediate social circle.
At camp, they meet kids from different backgrounds, states, and even countries. Suddenly, their biggest challenges at home don’t seem so overwhelming.
They gain perspective, realizing that their world is so much bigger than they thought.
Choosing the Right Camp Matters
For last-minute decision-makers, there’s still time to find a great camp. But be mindful of the choice:
🚨 If your middle schooler ends up at a camp where everyone has known each other since age 7, it could be a tough adjustment.
✅ The right camp welcomes new campers and ensures they feel included from day one.
Need help finding the perfect fit? Let’s talk—I’d love to help.