As the director of Camp Winaukee, a traditional overnight boys’ summer camp set in the beautiful woods of New Hampshire, I have the unique privilege of watching boys grow in ways that go beyond just athletic achievements. While our camp excels at sports and adventure, we also place a great emphasis on nurturing creativity through arts and hands-on making. This balance is essential for fostering well-rounded, emotionally resilient, and intellectually curious young boys. In this blog, I want to share why creativity is just as important as physical activity, especially for boys ages 8 to 12, and how the arts play a crucial role in their development.
The Role of Creativity in Childhood Development
Research consistently supports the idea that creativity and the arts are vital to a child’s development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, creative activities are essential for the development of a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social skills. These activities provide a healthy outlet for self-expression, allowing children to explore their emotions, solve problems, and think critically in ways that might not always be encouraged in other areas of their lives. Whether it’s building a structure out of legos, tie-dying their first shirt or constructing their first rocket, creative activities help children develop a sense of autonomy, accomplishment, and pride.
At Camp Winaukee, our campers spend time engaged in a variety of arts and project-based activities. These programs allow boys to tap into their imaginations, stretch their problem-solving muscles, and create something unique. We’ve found that this creative expression often works hand-in-hand with the physical and social aspects of camp life.
The Need for Balance Between Physical Activity and Creativity
While it’s true that boys need physical outlets - particularly in the context of sports, outdoor adventures, and team-building activities - it’s also important to recognize the value of balancing these activities with calmer, more creative pursuits. At Camp Winaukee, we see that boys who are heavily involved in sports often benefit from engaging in the arts as well. These activities provide them with a much-needed break from the rigor of physical exertion while helping them expand their emotional and cognitive skills.
Studies show that balancing physical activity with creative pursuits not only supports the development of a child’s mind but also enhances their performance in physical activities. According to research from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), children who engage in creative activities have better focus, improved problem-solving abilities, and stronger emotional intelligence; skills that can help them be better team players on the sports field. This balance helps prevent burnout, improves mood, and even fosters a greater appreciation for physical activity.
At Camp Winaukee, we make sure that every camper has the opportunity to explore both realms. Whether it’s learning how to carve a wooden canoe, making a personalized tie-dye shirt, or building an elaborate art project, our campers can use their hands to craft something unique to them.
W.A.A.M : Project Offerings of the Winaukee Arts and Making Program
Led by a 25+ year art educator, Winaukee Arts and Making is a program like no other! We’ve taken the traditional camp ‘arts and crafts’ programs and elevated these program to fit the needs and interests of our boys at Camp Winaukee. Checkout some of the many projects our boys work on and create each summer!
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Stop-Motion Filmmaking
- Photography
- Videography
- Pendulum painting
- Woodshop Projects - building signs, birdhouses, mailboxes, shelving, storage, chairs and all kids of special projects!
- Rocketry
- Legos
- Tie-Dye
- Shrink-a-dinks
- Spray-paint art
- And MORE!
An Outlet for Emotional Expression
Boys at this age are also learning how to navigate their emotions. With the structured, fast-paced nature of competitive sports, boys can sometimes feel pressure to perform or compete at high levels, which can suppress their ability to express their feelings. The arts, on the other hand, offer a safe space for boys to process their emotions in a non-competitive, open-ended and personal way.
Creative activities encourage reflection and self-expression, allowing boys to communicate their thoughts and feelings without words. Whether it’s through a drawing of a mountain landscape or the lyrics of a song they’ve written, the act of creating something allows for deeper personal insight. The emotional intelligence gained from creative endeavors can help boys relate to others, manage their emotions better, and approach challenges with a healthy mindset.
At Camp Winaukee, we are deeply committed to providing an experience that encompasses both physical activity and creative expression. We believe that every boy deserves the opportunity to discover and cultivate his unique creative talents.
