Did you take part in a camp this summer? There are so many summer camps and not all of them are the same. To choose which camp is best for you, first you must do a bit of research.
Maybe you've never thought about it before, but every great summer camp has the same main goals—opportunity, challenge and growth.
Opportunity means you are given a chance to do something special. It also makes you special because other kids don't have the same opportunity. For example, if you are interested in writing, then you can choose to join a journalism (新闻) camp. You may have the opportunity of meeting famous journalists there.
Challenge means you are given a task. You must finish the task and succeed in dealing with the challenge. Then you will have a sense of achievement. For example, you could take a lifeguard course at some summer camps. If you pass the exam, then you will receive a certificate (证书) to become a real lifeguard.
This also leads to the third and most important goal of very great summer camp—personal growth. It doesn't mean growing taller and stronger or more beautiful. It means seeing yourself improve, learning something new and doing something you didn't know or believe you could do before. It also means becoming more confident in yourself.
So in the future when choosing your next summer camp, remember to ask yourself: Is it a special opportunity? Is it a challenge? Will I grow?
But what about friendship, fun and joy? These will all happen naturally when you have the right goals at summer camps!
