kiDay says international camp boosts kids' confidence and independence

kiDay founder Lucie Straková says this summer’s camp placements reinforced a familiar pattern: children return more confident, more independent and more socially skilled. The findings echo broader camp research and point to continued demand for international programs across North America and Europe.

Why it matters: - Camp is becoming more than a summer activity for many families. - kiDay says international placements can help children build confidence, independence and social skills in ways that last beyond the season. - The company’s view also tracks with broader industry data showing parents notice real developmental gains after camp.

What happened: - kiDay founder Lucie Straková spent the summer watching children leave for international camp placements and return changed. - kiDay connects families across Europe and North America with selected summer camp experiences. - Straková said parents usually worry about safety, language and whether their child will make friends before departure. - Straková said those concerns often fade in the first few days. - kiDay this summer placed children from nine countries in residential programs across North America. - kiDay also placed children in European camps for international families seeking a culturally rich and safe setting.

The details: - A 2024 American Camp Association survey found that 86% of parents said their child developed greater self-confidence after camp. - The same survey found that 70% of campers reported improved social skills. - Research compiled in the Rustic Pathways 2026 Summer Camp Research Report found that 60% of alumni reported lasting gains in independence, teamwork and leadership. - kiDay placements include camps in the United States, Italy, Switzerland, the UK, Austria, Portugal and other parts of Europe. - Straková said language learning is a major part of the value for international campers. - Straková said children use English as a real-world tool at camp, not as a classroom subject. - kiDay says that dynamic is especially clear over a two-week session, when children use language to solve problems, make friends and navigate daily life. - Industry data shows that 10% of U.S. campers now attend camp outside the country. - Of those, 25% attend programs in Europe. - Straková also works year-round as a child and teen coach at kidscoach.cz. - Straková said camp experiences often show up later in coaching sessions, when children are still processing the confidence they gained over the summer. - kiDay’s foundation fund supports access to international experiences for children who otherwise could not attend.

Between the lines: - The pitch for international camp is shifting from enrichment to measurable development. - The emphasis on confidence, independence and communication suggests families are treating camp as a formative experience, not just childcare. - The growth in cross-border placements also points to stronger demand for immersive programs that combine travel, language exposure and peer interaction.

What's next: - Applications for kiDay’s 2027 summer season open in autumn 2026. - kiDay is likely to continue leaning on confidence-building and language immersion as core selling points for international families. - Straková said the next wave of camp participants will likely arrive with the same parent worries and leave with the same broader gains.

The bottom line: - kiDay says international camp changes children in lasting ways, and the company’s summer placements, plus broader survey data, suggest many parents agree.