Connecting with Nature

Michael had another great camp session. Thank you. It was an incredible opportunity for him to spend time outdoors and be disconnected from electronics without missing them. – Beni Overbeck, Jupiter, FL

We live in a time when few children really spend significant time in the outdoors and away from electronics. As our world becomes more complicated, the need for youth to spend formative time playing outside has never been so urgent. Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, both by Richard Louv, document the positive academic, social, and character-building benefits of time spent in nature. At Camp Pinnacle, your child will have the opportunity to develop a lifetime connection with the natural world.

We use our unique Off-Camp Adventures program to make sure campers see incredible scenery beyond our campus. Every camper will be treated to 40-mile views from atop the summit of a Blue Ridge Mountain, play in a waterfall, and camp out under the stars (or the clouds!). Days spent with friends wandering our beautiful campus lets kids experience how much fun they can have without electronics or video games. At Camp Pinnacle, campers get the quintessential youth outdoor experience that used to be a central part of American history and culture. Outdoor activities discovered in youth set a tone for a lifetime of good health and adventure.

The cognitive and social benefits of time spent in nature are well-documented. Research shows that children have better brain development and are both mentally and physically healthier if they play outside frequently. Nature experiences in youth significantly reduce children’s stress, while enhancing cognitive flexibility, problem-solving ability, self-esteem, and self discipline. A 2012 British study on the restorative effects of nature demonstrates how time spent in nature can improve both executive function and creativity skills. This article talks about “nature deficit disorder,” and you can find much more on children and nature here.