We can all relate to feeling stressed, overwhelmed or anxious at times. Whether it’s pressure at school or work, the demands of family life, or screens consuming our downtime, it’s clear that we all need a chance to recharge.
Camp offers the perfect opportunity to reset. It allows us to swap the endless scroll for fresh air, trade notifications for treetops, and have a whole lot of adventure! Not only is this great fun, but it also has many mental health benefits. From lifting our mood to building confidence and connections with others, camp supports our emotional wellbeing in numerous ways.
Key takeaways
- Camp reconnects participants with nature, reducing stress and improving mood.
- A digital detox at camp improves focus and eases social media anxiety.
- Physical activities at camp boost mood, energy and overall wellbeing.
- Camp builds confidence and resilience through supportive challenges.
- Shared camp experiences encourage genuine connections and a sense of belonging.
Keep reading to learn more about the mental health benefits of camp.
Reconnect with nature
At camp, you can step away from the day-to-day and immerse yourself in the natural world. You could relax at the beach, enjoying the fresh sea air and gentle rush of the waves, or hike through lush green landscapes, spotting interesting wildlife and listening to the sounds of the bush.
This can bring many mental health benefits, including reduced stress levels, an improved attention span and overall better mood. Reconnecting with nature also offers exciting new experiences, helping us to escape the everyday and appreciate the world around us.
At the Y Discovery Camps, some of our participant’s most memorable moments included spotting a kangaroo or koala out in the wild. 65% of participants also reported increased happiness after their camp experience. Being out in nature really does make a difference!
Embrace a digital detox
We know how hard it can be to unplug from devices. This is especially true for young people, who are increasingly spending more time online. A 2025 study reported that only 54% of young people feel social media is positive experience, and half struggle with knowing when to disconnect.
Camp is a great place for a ‘digital detox’. When we disconnect from technology and get out into nature, we’re able to connect with the world around us. We notice birds squawking and crickets chirping. Campfire smoke and eucalyptus trees. Stars in the night sky, unpolluted by city lights. The laughter of our friends.
Being present in the moment without distracting screens is an important part of the camp experience. It helps to reset your attention span, while reducing the pressure and anxiety that often comes with social media use. Many families also find that after a break from technology, students are able to concentrate better at school and feel less dependent on their screens.
Boost your mood through physical activities
Another way camp supports mental wellbeing is by providing opportunities to get active. At the Y Discovery Camps, this could be through activities like bushwalking, cycling, canoeing and more.
Whatever physical activity you do, the simple act of moving your body will help to release endorphins, which lifts your mood. Regular exercise can also improve sleeping patterns and increase energy levels.
Even if you’re not someone who particularly enjoys exercise, the great thing about camp is that it makes getting active fun. You can try new activities you may not have done before, like archery, rock climbing or surfing. You may discover a new hobby to continue outside of camp, so you can keep moving and feeling good!
Build confidence, resilience and self-esteem
Camp activities are designed to challenge participants in a safe, supportive environment. Trying new things can be scary, but our friendly camp staff are trained to support you and ease any nerves.
64% of attendees at the Y Discovery Camps said they built confidence to try new things.
"All the staff were welcoming and encouraging. I overcame my fear of heights."
With our support, experiences like conquering a high ropes course or navigating a team challenge will teach you that you’re capable of more than you realised. This builds a positive ‘can-do’ attitude which you can take back to your everyday life, helping you handle pressure, stress and worries.
Find connection and belonging
Camps create a space for genuine, face-to-face interactions. Whether it’s sharing stories by the fire or finding support during tough moments, shared experiences with fellow campers remind us that we’re never alone. These friendships often become lasting connections that stay with us, even when camp is over.
75% of attendees at the Y Discovery Camps agree that camp helped them to connect with other people, while 62% said that camp made them feel part of a community.
"By creating new relationships with people, the camp helped me create new relationships with people who I wouldn't talk to."
These real-world connections are crucial for emotional wellbeing. Research has shown links between positive social relationships and lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem and improved happiness.
Camp is more than just a fun experience
While camp is a fun-filled adventure, it’s also so much more than that. By combining less screen time with more time in nature, as well as a nurturing environment, camp can provide mental health benefits that last long after your bags are unpacked.
If you’re looking for a way to prioritise your family’s wellbeing or support your students, we invite you to join us at the Y Discovery Camps. Explore our camps today and get in touch to start planning your adventure.