How Summer Camp Promotes Gratitude and a Thankful Heart
The Benefits of Summer Camp Go Beyond Fun and Games
When parents think about the benefits of summer camp, they often envision their child making new friends, enjoying the outdoors, and learning new skills. While all of these are true, summer camp also instills an invaluable life lesson: gratitude. At Camp Walt Whitman, and across the camp industry, we see firsthand how the summer camp experience helps young people develop a deep appreciation for what they have, fostering a thankful heart and a greater respect for those around them.
Gratitude is more than simply saying “thank you”—it’s about recognizing the people, experiences, and opportunities that enrich our lives. Teaching gratitude helps children develop stronger relationships, increased happiness, and greater resilience (Harvard Health). At camp, we create an environment that naturally cultivates this sense of appreciation. Here’s how:
1. Teaching Youth Respect Through Shared Living
One of the most profound ways camp teaches gratitude is through communal living. At Camp Walt Whitman, campers share cabins, meals, and responsibilities with their peers. This structure teaches respect for others’ space, time, and perspectives. Living in close quarters encourages campers to be considerate, patient, and appreciative of the small but significant ways their bunkmates contribute to daily life.
Throughout the industry, many camps use cabin responsibilities—such as keeping shared spaces tidy or assisting with dining hall duties—to reinforce the importance of working together and valuing others’ efforts. Research shows that when children contribute to a community, they develop a deeper sense of appreciation for both their peers and authority figures (Greater Good Science Center).
2. Unplugging from Technology to Appreciate the Present
One of the biggest challenges facing today’s youth is the constant distraction of technology. At Camp Walt Whitman, we are proudly screen-free, allowing campers to fully engage with the world around them. Without the instant gratification of smartphones or social media, campers learn to appreciate in-person connections, nature’s beauty, and the joy of simple pleasures.
Many parents notice a significant shift when their child returns home—they’re more engaged in conversations, more willing to help around the house, and more appreciative of family time. This transformation happens because, at camp, children develop the ability to be present, a key factor in cultivating gratitude.
3. Encouraging Reflection Through Daily Traditions
Reflection is a critical component of gratitude. At Camp Walt Whitman, we incorporate daily moments for reflection into our program, helping campers recognize and appreciate their experiences. Many of our counselors facilitate evening “Rose, Thorn, and Bud” discussions, where campers share:
- A rose (something positive from their day),
- A thorn (a challenge they faced), and
- A bud (something they are looking forward to).
Other staff lead cabin circle discussions or end-of-day gratitude journaling. These moments of intentional gratitude help young people build emotional intelligence and perspective.
In addition, we have a camp-wide tradition celebrating acts of kindness, including the weekly CIA Awards—given to campers Caught In the Act of doing something kind for others.
4. Providing Opportunities for Giving Back
Camp fosters gratitude by allowing children to give back. Our older campers participate in our Big Brother/Big Sister program, helping younger campers acclimate to camp and feel part of our community. Additionally, all of our campers take part in a camp-wide 5K Fun Run to raise money for Morry’s Camp, a nonprofit organization providing summer camp experiences for children from underserved communities.
When campers contribute to something bigger than themselves, they develop a deeper appreciation for their own opportunities while also learning that gratitude is best expressed through action.
5. Fostering Appreciation for Nature and Simplicity
In a world where convenience is often taken for granted, summer camp helps children rediscover the beauty of simplicity. Whether it’s a breathtaking sunset over Lake Armington (leading to what our campers call LAMs—Lake Appreciation Moments), the thrill of a campfire under the stars at our Baker River campsite, or the satisfaction of building something with their own hands, camp teaches campers to slow down and appreciate the world around them.
Nature-based gratitude is widely recognized as beneficial for mental health (American Psychological Association), and at Camp Walt Whitman, we integrate outdoor experiences that foster respect for the environment and a sense of awe for the natural world.
Final Thoughts
Gratitude cannot be taught in a lecture—it must be experienced. At Camp Walt Whitman, we create an environment where children naturally develop an appreciation for their surroundings, the people in their lives, and the unique experiences they have.
When campers leave at the end of the summer, they bring home more than just memories—they bring a lasting sense of gratitude that shapes their character for years to come.
If you’re looking for a camp experience that goes beyond fun activities and truly helps your child develop life skills, Camp Walt Whitman is the perfect place. Learn more about our program and how we foster gratitude by visiting our website or speaking with a camp director today.
