Employers want it in their employees, employees want it in their bosses. We all want it in our kids. What is it? It’s called character. So what is it and why is it important?
Character is the glue that bonds solid and meaningful relationships”
-Tony Dungy
In an ever-changing, fast paced world we are often faced with the need to build strong relationships, make new (and often quick) decisions; move past current challenges by sticking at a problem and finding the appropriate solution; and be responsible for our own actions and successes.
These character attributes can be developed, and our campers and their parents tell us that they are…at camp!
Much like the Emotional Intelligence skills in the first of our series of blogs about “Why Every Child Should Go to Summer Camp“, Psychologists have been studying character skills for a long time, and the business world has started to pay attention to their findings, and is beginning to care more about an employee’s character.
A profound gap exists between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need for success in their communities and workplaces.
– Partnership for 21st Century Skills
In the first of our blog series we asked “What is so special about people who have been to summer camp?”
One of the answer lies in the second of our 5 reasons why EVERY child should go to summer camp:
REASON #2: To Develop Character
Character is important for success as it’s what makes us authentic. It makes us, us. Being self aware about character is what will make you stand out in a good way. Your good character is the most important asset you have. Your true character is revealed when no one else is looking.
Children develop important character skills at camp, including independence, responsibility, decision-making, and resilience. They grow considerably in an environment away from their parents where they are forced to live on their own and find their own resources – we know because our campers and their parents told us so!
References:
Sunshine Parenting, January 23, 2015