How Summer Camp Can Help Your Child Meet New Year’s Goals

The start of a new year brings a world of possibility. It’s a time when many of us reflect on the past and set goals to create a brighter, healthier, and more fulfilling future. For parents, this often includes thinking about ways to support their child’s growth, confidence, and happiness in the year ahead. If you’re considering a summer camp experience for your child, you might be surprised at how it can help them achieve their goals. At Camp Starfish, we’ve seen firsthand how camp can make a lasting impact.

Here are some of the many ways summer camp can support your child’s development and help them thrive:

1. Build Confidence and Self-Esteem

Many New Year’s goals center around personal growth, such as gaining confidence or stepping outside of your comfort zone. Summer camp offers countless opportunities for kids to try new things in a supportive and judgment-free zone. At Camp Starfish, our 1:1 camper-to-staff ratio ensures every child feels seen, supported, and valued. Whether it’s conquering a ropes course, learning to swim, or performing in a talent show, each accomplishment helps your child grow in confidence and self-esteem.

child at summer camp making slime

2. Develop Healthy Habits

Staying active and building healthy routines are important goals for children, and camp is the perfect setting to practice these habits. Days at Camp Starfish are filled with outdoor activities like kayaking, nature walks, and team games, encouraging kids to move their bodies and enjoy the fresh air. Structured routines help children find balance, making it easier to carry these healthy habits into their daily lives.

teens campers hiking with camp counselors

3. Strengthen Social Skills and Build Relationships

If your child’s goals include improving social confidence or making new friends, camp provides a unique environment for growth. At Camp Starfish, connection is at the heart of everything we do. Campers build strong bonds through shared experiences and teamwork, while also practicing skills like active listening, empathy, and collaboration. These lessons translate into stronger friendships and social success beyond camp.

teen camper with camp counselors in nature

4. Cultivate Resilience and Emotional Growth

Life’s challenges are opportunities for growth, and camp teaches children how to navigate them with resilience. At Camp Starfish, we focus on helping kids build emotional regulation and coping skills in a supportive atmosphere. Whether they’re working through a tough moment or celebrating small victories, campers learn to persevere, manage emotions, and keep moving forward: skills that are invaluable for any goal.

teen camper in kayak on lake

5. Discover New Interests and Passions

Sometimes, achieving goals is easier when there’s joy and excitement involved. Summer camp introduces kids to a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to sports, music, and nature exploration. Camp Starfish encourages children to explore new hobbies and interests, sparking a sense of curiosity and passion that can inspire their goals.

smiling camp counselor and preteen camper at summer camp

6. Create a Sense of Accountability

Achieving goals often requires accountability, and summer camp fosters this in a fun and supportive way. At Camp Starfish, our campers are encouraged to set personal goals, work toward milestones, and celebrate their progress. Being part of a community that values growth and effort can motivate your child to stay committed to their aspirations.

excited summer camp counselor and campers walking nature trails

Why Choose Camp Starfish?

At Camp Starfish, we specialize in creating a nurturing, structured environment tailored to meet the unique needs of every camper. Our programs are designed to foster growth, connection, and success—making us the perfect partner in helping your child reach their potential.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to give your child an unforgettable summer filled with growth, learning, and fun, Camp Starfish is here to help. Applications are now open for the upcoming season, and spots fill quickly! Visit our website to learn more about our programs and secure your child’s place today.

Start the year off right by setting your child up for success. At Camp Starfish, we’re here to cheer them on every step of the way!

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Lydia Beeler

Lydia Beeler is Camp Starfish’s Program Director, ensuring that all campers have a safe, supportive, and fun Starfish experience. Lydia joined Starfish in the summer of 2021 and has enjoyed multiple different roles on camp. With a degree in psychology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and experience in healthcare and education, she brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to her role.

Lydia is from Worcester, Massachusetts, and takes great pride in being able to pronounce her hometown. Her favorite camp activity is the closing campfire, where campers are able to reflect on and celebrate their achievements made during their time at Starfish. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “We make camp a safe place.”

Photo of Danielle Lubbers

Danielle Lubbers

Danielle joined Camp Starfish in the spring of 2023 as Camp Director. Originally working with the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, Danielle has ten years of experience providing programming to children, outdoor skills training for adults, and directing overnight summer camp experiences.

In her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her two-year old Dalmatian, Mia. Danielle’s favorite activity at camp is raft building, as she enjoys seeing campers and staff work together to complete a team goal. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is “We are here to learn, grow, and have fun!”

Staff photo of David

David Mahnken

David Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Mental Health Consultant. He provides staff training each summer on topics such as self-care, trauma-informed care practices, and health & wellness. David also provides support and consultation to the organization throughout the year. David holds a BA from St. Olaf College and an MSW from Simmons University. David is a LICSW who works in emergency services in addition to his own private practice in Massachusetts.

Prior to becoming a social worker, David’s first experience at camp was as a counselor in the early 2000s before becoming an administrator and member of the year-round team. His favorite camp activity is swim-I (swim instruction), and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We make camp a safe place.”

Staff photo of Joe

Joe Clark

As the Assistant Director at Camp Starfish, Joe is a seasoned professional who is well-versed in all aspects of camp life. With five years of summer work at Starfish, he brings extensive experience and expertise to the camp year-round. Joe is from the UK, and holds a degree from Keele University. Joe works as a support worker in the UK, providing care to individuals with disabilities, since 2019. Joe also engages in volunteer work, including spending three months in Abrobiano, Ghana.

Joe is known at camp for his charming English accent, which campers often try to replicate! His favorite camp activity is playing soccer (football) on the field, and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I take responsibility for my actions.”

Staff photo of Rachel

Rachel Roberts

Rachel Roberts is the Director of Staff Experience at Camp Starfish, responsible for all things staffing and groups. With a degree in Anthropology, and a Certificate in Global Citizenship from Franklin Pierce University, Rachel brings a unique perspective to her role. She oversees hiring, onboarding, retention, and staff appreciation for the 100+ seasonal staff at Camp Starfish each summer. Rachel has been a part of the Starfish team since 2016, working in various seasonal roles. She joined the Year-Round Team full-time in 2022.

As a lifelong New Hampshire resident, Rachel enjoys hiking in the woods with her dog, Clover. Her favorite camp activity is Free Play, and her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We respect each other’s differences.”

Staff photo of Kristie

Kristie Martin

Kristie Martin is Camp Starfish’s Communications Director, ensuring that Starfish is able to reach a wide audience of potential campers and staff each year to further the Starfish mission. With her degree in Applied Psychology & Human Development from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, Kristie has a deep understanding of child development and uses this knowledge to create a nurturing environment for all campers during the summer.

Kristie grew up in the Monadnock region and takes pride in being a local. Kristie’s favorite camp activity is the Camper Talent Show, which she believes is the perfect opportunity for campers to showcase their skills and feel comfortable sharing with the community. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “I try my best, I do not have to be the best.”

Staff photo of Sarah

Sarah Scott-Sandagato

Sarah Scott-Sandagato is the Director of Operations at Camp Starfish, joining the team in the Spring of 2022. She brings with her a wealth of professional experience working in both mental health and human resources. Sarah’s role at Camp Starfish is crucial in ensuring that camp runs smoothly, and she is available to assist families every step of the way through the registration process. If you call the Starfish office, Sarah will likely be who you speak with first!

With her dedication to helping others and her commitment to creating a positive camp experience for every child, it’s no wonder that her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We are members of a team.”

Staff photo of Jamie

Jamie Mahnken

Jamie Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Executive Director, and has been an integral part of the Camp Starfish community since 2010, serving in a variety of roles. With a degree in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University, Jamie is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for every camper, staff member, and volunteer.

As a North Carolina native, Jamie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Her favorite camp activity is kayaking to Blueberry Island, which is a meaningful and memorable experience for many campers, as well. Jamie’s favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I am flexible and open to change.”