How Camp Teaches You To Plan Ahead

April 3, 2017

A summer of camp means endless fun and memories- but time at camp can also provide you with the opportunity to build important life skills.  One such skill is the ability to plan ahead.  Strong planning abilities are critical for success in school, future jobs, and in the day to day life and it is a skill that is regularly practiced and developed through experiences at camp. Here are a few of the many ways that you can work on your planning skills during your time at camp.

Pre-camp packing

Before you even set foot on camp property, your ability to plan ahead is put to the test when you start packing your bags for your stay at camp.  Packing involves planning for a wide range of activities that are available to you at camp to ensure that you have the appropriate clothing and supplies necessary to feel confident and prepared for each camp event.  Packing for camp also carries a great weight with it since as soon as you head to camp, anything that was left at home is no longer accessible- so planning out what and how you will pack is of the utmost importance.  Although you might enlist the help of a parent or other adult while packing for camp, you are the one who directly benefits from smart packing decisions, so pre-camp packing is a great time to start gauging the importance of having strong planning skills.

Scheduling activities

Once you make it to camp, you are thrust into a world full of fun and options.  As you decide on what activities you might choose to pursue, you again get the chance to work on planning ahead. While signing up for activities and thinking through your plan for the day or week, you must think about not just the immediate future but also the days and even weeks ahead of you.  Not only are you challenged to make decisions about the types of activities you might wish to pursue, but you also need to think through the logistics of your schedule and how to navigate making the most of your camp experience. Putting in some forethought can save you a lot of stress and time during your time at camp.

Getting Ready for the Day

Each and every day at camp is full of fun and excitement from the moment you wake up until the second you close your eyes at night.  Getting the most out of every waking moment at camp requires some planning in order to keep the days running smoothly.  To keep from wasting time and missing out on activities, you often have to plan out your day before you even leave your bunk for breakfast.  Thinking through the clothing requirements for the activities you plan to attend and any special events coming up that day can help you utilize your time well and can get you on your way to being a strong planner.

Preparing skits and performances

One of the best parts about being at camp is that there are so many opportunities to showcase your skills and talents.  Whether you are interested in participating in the talent show, putting on a skit for campfire, or simply performing your greatest skills for your bunkmates, planning, and organization is required to ensure that your performance goes without a hitch.  Preparing for shows or skits is a great way to gain time management skills since you will need to find time in your busy days at camp to create your routine, plan any costumes or props, and practice for your big show.  Preparing for skits and shows is also a great way to expand your ability to work with others and can be great practice for engaging in group work and projects at school or in future job settings.

Planning is a skill that can lead to great success and far less stress in school, daily life, and in future employment opportunities.  With some practice, you could find yourself better prepared to take on school projects, college applications, and whatever else life throws your way. And really, can you think of anywhere better to build you planning skills than surrounded by friends, laughter, and fun at camp?