Although winter hasn’t quite ended yet, summer break will be just around the corner before you even know it. For many parents, keeping kids occupied during that time away from school can be especially difficult, especially when air conditioning and video games often keep kids indoors, rain or shine. However, there is an option that parents can use to help their kids stay healthy and active and help them have fun: attending a summer camp.

Do you need to get your kids up and moving to take advantage of the upcoming warm weather? Here are three things you can expect for your children when you send them to a nearby summer camp:

1. Physical Activity for Kids: During the summertime, it’s easy for kids to beat the heat by becoming couch potatoes in the air conditioning. As a result, just one in three kids is actually physically active each day, and they spend an average of 7-1/2 hours in front of a TV or computer screen each day. But summer camp can provide the perfect remedy for boredom while on a break from school. Swimming, kickball, archery, hiking, and other kids fitness activities are all common summer camp pastimes. Even more “low-key” events like capture the flag or arts and crafts time can help kids stay healthy and engaged with others around them during the summer — a much better option than playing video games all day.

2. Excellent Kids Nutrition: Finding kid-friendly foods can be a challenge for any parent, but there’s nothing like instilling healthy eating habits early. These days kids nutrition often consists of empty calories: sugars and solid fats actually contribute to 40% or total daily calories for most two- to 18-year-olds, usually from foods like soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. Because kids camps are so focused on healthy and active lifestyles, they will often include menus that focus on kids nutrition with items like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy drinks and snacks. Make sure before you send your kids to camp that they’ll have a balanced diet to keep up with the summer fun.

3. Memorable Experiences: Above all, summer camps are supposed to be fun for children. Whether in wooded areas or sunny beach camps, kids have the opportunity to connect with the outdoors and gain new life experiences, and they can make friends while participating in these activities. Summer camps typically focus on team building exercises, group sports and activities, and educational opportunities to keep kids occupied during the long summer months. Sending your children to camp for the day or overnight will give them a set of fun and memorable experiences they’ll never forget.

Have more questions about the advantages of summer camp for kids? Tell us what you think in the comments.