Recreational potential and educational opportunities of summer camps for children

Background and Study Aim. The decline in the health of school-aged children is a cause for concern and necessitates effective solutions. Summer camps can potentially address this negative trend. This study aims to examine the recreational potential and educational opportunities of summer camps and their impact on children's development. Materials and Methods. The study involved 183 student interns undergoing pedagogical practice in summer camps. A survey was conducted using a specially designed questionnaire. Additionally, documentation from the Kharkiv Regional Department of Physical Education and Sports (Ukraine) was used for data collection. The obtained data were processed using descriptive statistical methods. Results. The results indicate that summer camps significantly enhance children's awareness of their own health, improve physical activity levels, and boost psycho-emotional well-being. The density of health activities in out-of-town camps is notably higher than in educational institutions. During the summer, 325 health events and sports competitions were held in children's health and recreation centers, averaging 8.56 per session. In general educational institutions, the average is 7 such events per academic year, while in school-based camps, this figure is 1.71. The analysis of materials also showed that recreational activities, such as tourist and local history hikes and excursions, are more actively utilized in children's health and recreation centers. In out-of-town health and recreation centers, an average of 1.61 excursions and hikes are held per session (1.82 per group). In school-based camps, an average of 2.57 excursions and hikes (1.57 per group) are conducted. In general educational institutions, similar school-wide events are not held at all, as classes go on hikes only once a year. Conclusions. Summer camps have a significant positive impact on the physical, psycho-emotional, and social development of children. Camps contribute to the formation of a conscious attitude towards personal health and increase the level of physical activity.