Beth: Well guys, we’ve made it to the end of the summer in one piece, except for a few campers who are lepers. — Wet Hot American Summer

For those of us who went to sleepaway camp, summer camp was a huge part of our childhood. On our trip, we not only learned new skills like sailing but also made lifelong friends. We formed memories together that will never leave us. I believe we also learned some great life lessons from this experience that can be useful in our careers and overall lives.

Independence

As a young kid, camp gives you your first sense of independence. I was never one of those kids who couldn’t wait to get away from my parents, but before I was a high school senior, I decided that going to sleepaway camp would help me transition to college more smoothly. At first, I missed my parents and the comforts of home but then I realized how great it is to be independent. No one tells you that you have to eat, make your bed, socialize, or not wear your bathing suit for seven hours at camp. This is when you have to start thinking for yourself and it’s an amazing moment.

Trying New Things

Trying new experiences is a part of childhood, but as we age, we become more hesitant to leave our comfort zone. Sometimes, the best way to improve in your career is by trying new things- similar to how you would’ve tried new things at sleepaway camp. For example, maybe you can learn a new skill like Photoshop or coding. Experimenting will help you grow both professionally and personally, just don’t try poison ivy!

Making Friends

If you don’t make friends at camp, you’re doomed (imagine the kids on Friday the 13th). Networking and creating alliances are critical in business, as you never know when you may need assistance.

Survival Skills

While it’s not necessary to have gone to an outdoor survival camp, most camps do require that you be able to tough it out (even if only slightly). Bugs, bad food, and sharing a cabin with others are only some of the things you have to deal with when going to summer camp. If you can manage all that, then you can pretty much survive anything. When you next find yourself struggling through a workday or feel exhausted to the point of sleep, keep this in mind.

Being Outside Is Good for You

I often forget how much I appreciate being outside because I’m usually looking at a computer screen for 100 hours every day. However, it’s crucial to get fresh air and be in touch with nature.

Compared to those who took a walk in nature, the attention spans of city walkers showed no improvement, according to University of Michigan researchers. According to researchers, participants who stroll through natural surroundings see up to 20 percent better results in focus tests. Our minds appear to benefit significantly from taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Nature images “engage our so-called involuntary attention, which comes into play when our minds are inadvertently drawn to something interesting that doesn’t require intense focus, like a pleasing picture or landscape feature. We can still talk and think while noticing the element,” according to the Wall Street Journal.

What valuable lessons have you learned from sleepaway camp that you still use in your career today? Share with us in the comments section below!

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