At Summer 365, we believe that some of life’s biggest lessons are tucked into the smallest moments – and nowhere is that truer than at camp.
Camp is full of the “big stuff”: independence, friendships, resilience, confidence. But one of the most beautiful (and often overlooked) gifts of a summer away is the ability it gives kids to slow down, soak it all in, and develop a deep appreciation for the little things – the ones we might miss in our fast-paced day-to-day lives.
And as we head into a season centered around gratitude, there’s no better time to reflect on how camp teaches this essential life skill – and how we as parents can nurture it at home, too.
Gratitude Isn’t Just a Thanksgiving Thing – It’s a Life Skill
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about noticing. It’s about becoming aware of what brings us joy, what makes us feel seen and safe, and who helps make our world a little brighter.
Camp creates the perfect conditions for this:
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Sharing a bunk with new friends, learning to take turns and lend a hand.
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Noticing the way your counselor always remembers your favorite activity.
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Appreciating the warm gooey s’more after a long hike, or the clean laundry when it comes back into the bunk.
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Feeling the joy of a cheer echoing across the dining hall – and realizing it’s not the volume that matters, but the togetherness.
When we strip away all the noise – the screens, the constant stimulation – kids can more clearly recognize what truly fills their cups.
How You Can Bring Camp’s Gratitude Practice Home
Here are a few small-but-powerful ways to help your child build a gratitude muscle that will serve them long past the bunk:
1. Name the Little Joys
Start a new family ritual: around the dinner table, during the school commute, or before bed, ask everyone to name one small thing they’re grateful for from the day. Normalize noticing the little stuff – the way the sunlight hit the leaves, or the note a friend left in their locker.
2. Practice Self-Sufficiency with a Thankful Heart
Helping kids build independence isn’t just camp prep – it’s gratitude training. Putting away their laundry, packing their lunch, or rinsing shampoo out of their hair helps them appreciate what’s been done for them – and builds confidence at the same time.
3. Celebrate the Helpers
At camp, kids are surrounded by mentors and role models -counselors, specialists, kitchen staff – all working to create magic. At home, help them see the helpers around them: their teachers, coaches, babysitters, bus drivers. Have them write a note or make a small gesture of thanks.
4. Send a “Camp-Style” Shout-Out
Just like a bunkmate might get a shout-out at evening campfire, encourage your child to recognize someone in their life who’s made their day. A compliment, a sticky note on a mirror, or a quiet “thank you” goes a long way – and keeps the spirit of camp alive.
From the Bunk to the World
Gratitude is a campfire that keeps glowing long after the last song is sung. At Summer 365, we see it every year – kids come home from camp not just more independent, but more attuned to kindness, more thoughtful, and more aware of the world around them.
As we gather this Thanksgiving, we invite you to take a page from the bunk and celebrate the little things: the extra family time, the belly laughs, the shared moments of happiness – and the people who make it all possible.
Happy Thanksgiving (month!) from all of us at Summer 365. We are so grateful to be part of your family’s journey.
About the contributor:
Summer 365 is the leading consulting service created by and for parents, driven by a customized, holistic approach to finding the best summer experience for each child and family. Through in-person visits and meetings with camps and programs, our momboss team of experts have insider knowledge on more than 500 top sleepaway camps and summer programs for children and teens ages 7–18. Our service makes it easy for parents to find whatever they’re looking for – whether it’s traditional or specialty sleepaway camp, community service, performing arts, enrichment, wilderness, or language immersion programs.