Within recent years, children have been spending less time playing with friends outside, and because of advancing technology, children currently over-rely on social media platforms to interact with their friends, much to the detriment of their physical and mental development. Gaps are worryingly appearing in a child’s ability to socialise and communicate with peers and adults.
Within the last few months, I have volunteered to help at a youth activity camp in my local Ballinfoile Castlegar Community Centre. These camps provide a safe space where children can play sports competitively or try out other sports before deciding to join a club.
Youth camps are also great ways for children to make new friends. On many occasions, I have witnessed, and it has been heartwarming, children who have never met one another leave the camp after only a couple of hours with new friendships formed.
The opportunity to meet new people is the best bit about the camps, in my opinion. I passionately believe they really help involve everyone. What encourages me even more is that when the shy kids turn up, they end up making connections with new people, highlighting that connections can be made without the help of Social Media!
Youth activity camps also help build children's physical fitness, particularly those not taking part in organised sports. It also helps keep fitness during the off-season and provides them with another avenue to make friends.
During the summer, many camps are available, and these are great for keeping children active, with sports such as soccer, rugby, basketball, tennis, Gaelic football, and hurling on the menu. Keeping children active during this time gives them the opportunity to improve their skills, with a focus on fun, friendship and participation.
The coaches who run the camps also have a great attitude towards sports involvement and friendship forming. Their enthusiasm, energy and ability to harness excitement are imperative to the success of camps.
The camps also provide a safe, fun space for children after school. After a long day of inactivity at school, it offers them an opportunity to burn calories and excess energy in a safe and enjoyable environment. Especially during winter months, when the wild west coast weather can knock outdoor activities for a loop.
From my experience, these camps do not just fill time. They help shape confident, happy, and connected young children. I am honoured and privileged to volunteer on these vital camps.
It has also allowed me to develop my own social and leadership skills, as well as my ability to network and form vitally strong bonds that strengthen community pride and spirit. Every child should have the opportunity to take part in youth activities at their local community centre.
