More Than Just Play: Why Multi-Sport Camps Build Stronger Kids

Dover Sportsplex Summer Kids Camp - Early bird discount ends May 19th!

“What type of camp is best for my kid?” With so many camp options available, parents are inevitably forced to consider this question. In this article, the folks at Dover Sportsplex make the case for multi-sport camps, arguing that they are great for physical development while fostering a healthy “growth” mindset. Whether your child is a serious athlete or just someone who likes to play around, a multi-sport camp is a great choice.

The best reason to attend a multisport camp is the obvious one – it is fun, healthy, and a great antidote for those ever-present “screens”. The variety of activities keeps kids engaged and interested, while allowing a chance to become more adept at a variety of sports.  By mixing fun game play with skills training, we aim to create an unforgettable camp experience.

A multi-sport camp is especially effective when coupled with a focus on a “growth mindset” – the belief that ability and intelligence can be fostered through effort and persistence. “True success comes from growth, not perfection.” This mindset is crucial not only for athletic success but also for personal development in school and life.

Multi-sport camps emphasize other valuable life lessons, like the benefits of teamwork and healthy attitudes towards competition. When kids are exposed to different challenges across various activities, they learn to adapt and grow. They learn that success isn’t about being naturally talented at one thing or winning every game, but about working hard, learning from mistakes, and bouncing back from setbacks. They learn the value of teamwork while learning to win and lose with more grace and sportsmanship.

At Dover Sportsplex, our summer sports camp is designed with all these benefits in mind. Over the course of a week, your child will receive skills training and compete in a variety of sports – basketball, volleyball, soccer and more – with additional “gym-class” games, arts and crafts, and other non-sport fun. Campers will work in teams across all activities, and each day will include lessons that seek to encourage a growth mindset, good sportsmanship, effective teamwork and healthy attitudes toward competition. To top it off, campers will have a chance to make great memories and new friends!

Compared to a general day camp, our campers will be more active, more competitive, and more exposed to the positive life lessons that can be learned from sports.  On the other hand, compared to single-sport camps, our multi-sport camp is a healthy step away from the increased specialization pushed on today’s young athletes. Research and experience find that kids playing multiple sports often have better physical development, a more diverse set of skills, improved mental resilience, and long-term enjoyment of physical activity.

Dover Sportsplex Summer Sports Camp is open to boys and girls aged 8 to12, with one session in July and one in August. Please check this link for additional information, and don’t forget – the early bird discount ends May 19th.

If you’d like to visit the facility, please reach out to info@doversportsplex.com or 973-620-8216. We think we have the nicest indoor sports facility in the area, and we’d love to show it to you.