Prepare individuals to thrive in our diverse, unpredictable, and rapidly changing world
Camp Education is the label for the unique programming provided by summer and seasonal camps all over the world. It is an immersive, experiential learning approach for children and young adults that goes beyond the limitations of the traditional classroom.
Some children and young adults do not receive Camp Education during their formal educational years. Camp Education International’s purpose is to change that.
Camp Education has 8 Specific Domains, each with their own learning outcomes
CEI Domain 1
Leadership & Personal Development
- Enhanced Leadership Skills: Campers practice leading groups, making decisions, and managing projects, building organic confidence in their leadership abilities.
- Improved Self-Esteem: Participants develop a strong sense of self through overcoming challenges and achieving personal goals, in a group setting without the traditional extrinsic motivators of grades or expectations of mastery.
- Goal Setting and Achievement: Campers learn how to set, pursue, and achieve personal and group goals.
The world needs capable, confident leaders.
One of the most common statements from children and young adults attending summer camp is: “I feel so much more comfortable taking risks, accepting responsibility, and leading others.”
CEI Domain 2
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Improved Communication Skills: Campers learn to express themselves clearly and listen actively, leading to better interpersonal relationships.
- Increased Perspective-Taking Ability: Participants develop greater empathy by working in diverse teams and understanding different perspectives.
- Conflict Resolution Abilities: Campers gain tools and experience to navigate and resolve conflicts constructively.
The world needs citizens who are motivated to take the perspective of others.
Camp Education provides a unique environment for children and young adults to live and work closely with others, which requires advanced social skills that are developed through this sustained, guided opportunity.
CEI Domain 3
Practical Skill Development
- Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Participants engage in hands-on activities (STEM and other) that quickly develop their ability to think critically and solve complex problems, often with others.
- Practical Life Skills: Campers acquire useful outdoor and “real-life” skills such as first aid, cooking, and outdoor survival techniques.
- Increased Interest in Non-academic Learning Opportunities: Participants are able to follow an early-childhood model of choosing scaffolded learning activities based on their interests, and often challenge themselves much more than in traditional classrooms.
The world needs highly adaptable workers interested and motivated to continually learn new skills.
Campers report a deep satisfaction in having practiced and mastered a non-school skill at camp: learning to waterski, completing a challenging climb, becoming skilled at archery, or being able to build a fire or cook in the outdoors, which develops a "life long learning" mindset.
CEI Domain 4
Outdoor Education & Environmental Stewardship
- Increased Environmental Awareness: Participants develop a deeper understanding of the value of the outdoor world, by spending time directly in it.
- Stewardship Skills: Campers learn practical ways to care for the environment, such as recycling, sustainable living, and wildlife preservation.
- Connection to Nature: Participants gain an appreciation for the natural world, fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental responsibility.
The world needs future stewards of the outdoors.
Camp Education develops the future leaders of organizations that will ensure both protection and access to the national parks and other wildlife areas to be preserved by society.
CEI Domain 5
Creativity & Innovation
- Enhanced Creative Expression: Campers explore and develop their artistic talents through various mediums, such as music, drama, and visual arts.
- Confidence to Innovate: Participants gain direct experience in translating creative ideas to actionable projects, increasing their confidence in innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Collaboration on Creative Projects: Campers learn to work together on group projects, combining their unique talents to create something meaningful.
The world needs entrepreneurs who can solve problems and strengthen economies.
Camp Education develops the business founders and leaders of tomorrow by promoting an actionable, creative mindset in each participant.
CEI Domain 6
Physical Education & Adventure
- Improved Physical Fitness: Participants engage in regular physical activity, improving their overall health and physical well-being.
- Enhanced Teamwork and Cooperation: Campers learn to work together in sports and adventure activities, building trust and camaraderie.
- Increased Resilience and Perseverance: Through challenging physical activities, participants build resilience and learn to push through obstacles.
The world needs healthy, active citizens who caretake their bodies and minds.
Campers learn personal responsibility for their bodies, habits, and daily practices, resulting in happiness and longevity.
CEI Domain 7
Health & Mindfulness
- Improved Mental Health: Participants practice mindfulness techniques that help reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being.
- Greater Self-Awareness: Campers develop a deeper understanding of their emotions and thoughts, leading to better self-regulation.
- Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Participants learn and practice habits that contribute to long-term physical and mental health.
The world needs people who are healthy, physically and mentally.
Camp develops a responsible and sustainable mindset in all participants to value a healthy lifestyle over the lifespan.
CEI Domain 8
Global Citizenship
- Meaningful Cultural Exchange: Campers are exposed to different cultures, fostering a lifelong appreciation for diversity and global issues.
- Increased Cultural Sensitivity: Participants develop a deeper understanding and respect for cultural differences, enhancing their social interactions.
- Active Global Citizenship: Campers learn about global challenges and are encouraged to take action, becoming more engaged and responsible citizens.
The world needs actively engaged and motivated global citizens.
Camp develops a mindset to learn, understand, and help solve the problems and challenges facing the world now and in the future.
Bring Camp Education to your organization
How exactly do children and young adults participate in activities and programming that result in these unique and powerful learning outcomes? This is the purpose of CEI – our member organizations and professionals belong to our global network in which we share, connect, and act. CEI provides curriculum and training in what to do and how to do it for youth development professionals who want to bring Camp Education to their camp, school, or other youth organization.