BSA summer camp is an experience unlike any other. Campers get to participate in a wide range of team-building activities for kids that will help them grow into future leaders. The opportunities for team building at camp are endless, from high ropes courses to water sports like tandem canoeing. Camp Hohn at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation is one such BSA summer camp that provides Scouts the chance to make new friends, build character, learn new skills, and have an absolute blast.
In this article, we will dive into the importance of team building and share the top 9 team building activities for kids that Scouts can take part in at Camp Hohn.
The Importance of Team Building for Kids
Team building activities play a crucial role in the development of children by fostering essential skills and qualities that are beneficial throughout their lives. Engaging in team-oriented tasks from an early age helps children learn the value of cooperation, communication, and collaboration. These experiences promote the development of social skills, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives as children learn to work harmoniously with their peers.
Team building also nurtures leadership qualities, as children have opportunities to take initiative, make decisions, and guide their team toward a common goal. Moreover, it instills a sense of belonging and boosts self-confidence as children witness their contributions making a positive impact within the group. By participating in team-building activities, children build a strong foundation for healthy interpersonal relationships, effective problem-solving, and overall personal growth.
Team Building for Kids at BSA Summer Camp: Top 9 Fun Activities
Team building skills are something that every kid should learn from a young age, and BSA summer camp gives young people plenty of opportunities to grow in this important area.
High Ropes Course
Scouts using the high ropes course at our Ozark camp learn to lead and encourage others through potentially stressful situations. For some, completing a high ropes course may be a cakewalk, but for others, it may be a bit nerve-wracking. Scouts can verbally encourage each other and lend a helping hand while completing this challenge together.
Cooking
At Camp Hohn and some other BSA summer camps the patrol method is used, meaning there is no dining hall offered. Instead, Scouts work together to cook their meals over the campfire, an outdoor stove or dutch oven.. A food service commissary will deliver food for each meal, and Scouts will prepare it at their campsite. Cooking requires Scouts to learn to follow directions and delegate tasks to others.
Orienteering
Orienteering, or using a compass and map to find a certain location or plan a journey, is a great team-building activity for kids to participate in at BSA summer camp. When orienteering, Scouts can split up into small groups and work together as a team to set up a course using the compass and a map. This supports the development of problem-solving skills and listening skills for children.
Camping
Setting up tents for camping can take teamwork to do successfully. Scouts at summer camp can participate in this team-building activity for kids at the beginning of their session. Scouts can take down tents at the end of their scheduled session and communicate with other campers to make the process as smooth as possible.
Inventing
Camp Hohn at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation is home to the Sinquefield Invention Campus, a state-of-the-art facility for hands-on education and invention. Scouts can visit the Invention Lab, Program Building, Metalworking Building, and Trade Building to learn new skills, strengthen their creative thinking, and collaborate with others. Possible activities include blacksmithing, welding, woodworking, graphic design, 3D printing, and much more.
Low Ropes Course
A low ropes course encourages Scouts to utilize their collaboration skills to solve problems such as physical challenges as a group. This is one of the best team-building activities for kids because it forces Scouts to collaborate, think collectively, and communicate effectively to solve each challenge.
Motorboating
Motorboating is one of the water sports activities offered at Camp Hohn for Scouts. Scouts with their Missouri boater safety identification card have the chance to practice their driving skills with motorboats on the Lake of the Ozarks. This allows for cross-collaboration between campers and counselors along with other Scouts that may be on board the vessel.
Playing Camp Games
Camp is a time for good old-fashioned summer fun. For some Scouts, this may include playing games such as card games and board games and participating in other group activities. Games, especially strategy games, help teach young adults how to work together to meet a common goal. Scouts can enjoy some friendly competition or work on teams to play camp games.
Tandem Canoeing
Tandem canoeing is another great team-building activity for kids that Scouts can do at Camp Hohn in the Lake of the Ozarks. The two Scouts will need to work together to paddle on alternate sides to effectively move the boat forward. Good communication skills are important for finding the right rhythm for this outdoor activity.
Team building activities for kids are vital in the social development of children and young adults. The skills that come with team building will serve Scouts well into their adult lives and set them up for future success. These nine activities are only scratching the surface of what Scouts can experience at BSA summer camp.
For More Team-Building Activities for Kids, Join Scouts Today
There are plenty more kids team-building activities that can help young adults learn new skills and grow into responsible adults. Joining Scouts is one way to help prepare your child for adulthood and promote healthy socialization. In Scouts, your child will have the opportunity to make new friends with peers, learn valuable life skills from trusted adults, go on adventures, gain leadership skills, and build character.
Scouts BSA Camp is a fantastic place for your child to have fun, learn team building skills, and make lifelong memories. Each year, our camp program gets bigger and better for Scouts. Register for Camp Hohn at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation today!