The secret to living longer
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It’s all about kids today
Aging is kind of a scary thought, right?
To be honest, I’m not so interested in getting old (however you define old!).
And camp is for kids, so it’s a bit weird to talk about what happens decades and decades later. Except that growing up and eventually getting wrinkled is one of those unavoidable things, so here we are.
Science on longevity is all over the place, and I’m definitely no expert here (though I do follow Brian Johnson on Twitter by way of being an expert)
But there’s one study I’m planning on hanging my Bills hat on for the foreseeable future.
It’s the one that started at Harvard (code for: smart) back in 1938 to track what made for successful adult development, following the same group of people through their entire lives.
The Grant Study findings aren’t specifically camp-related, but we’re about to insert ourselves right into this discussion.
85+ Years of Research
The Harvard Study of Adult Development has been following the same people (all men when it started) through their entire adult lives. We’re talking almost 100 years of data on what makes people thrive versus what makes them struggle.
The findings are pretty straightforward, and honestly, kind of obvious once you hear them.
It ain’t money.
It’s not career achievement.
It’s not even exercise or a healthy diet, though those for sure help.
The single biggest predictor of health, happiness, and longevity
Relationships.
Dr. Robert Waldinger, the dude who runs the study now, cuts to it: “The people who were the most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80.”
Relationship satisfaction at age 50 was a better predictor of physical health than cholesterol levels.
Great social support means less mental deterioration as people aged.
Those with strong relationships were less likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis.
And the bummer flip side?
“Loneliness kills,” Waldinger says. “It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.”
The study tracked people across all backgrounds and socio-economic statuses. The pattern held no matter social class, IQ, or genetics.
The key?
Relationships, relationships, relationships.
Where Camp Fits In
So what does this have to do with camp?
Everything.
Camp is where kids learn how to do relationships.
Not just make friends (which is 100% an important distinction).
They figure out how to live with people who are different from them.
How to navigate conflict over bunks, Gaga, games, whatever.
How to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Just walk yourself through a day at camp, and it’s incredibly easy to tell the relationship story. From the time kids wake up to the time they go to sleep, it’s just non-stop relationship building.
Honestly, I don’t even want to bother making the list because it’s so obvious. And camp is one of the few places where it all happens. 24/7.
The Grant Study makes it clear that the foundation for lifelong health and happiness is built through the quality of our connections.
Which means intensive practice disguised as wildin-out fun when they are young is the best way to start.
Be in relationships with other people.
Show up when things get kinda hard.
Care about someone else’s day.
All of that camp stuff matters way more for long-term well-being than pretty much anything else.
The Adult Camp Connection
Quick (mostly-related) aside here: There’s this whole trend of summer camps for adults popping up.
Adults are going to sleepaway camp to make friends, and it seems to actually work.
I love this idea, though I can’t totally picture how to run it at my camp (does anyone on this list do this?).
But it makes sense, right? If the Grant Study is correct that relationships are everything for aging well, and if many adults are struggling with loneliness, then of course, they’d seek out the camp experience.
Adults are essentially trying to recreate what we give kids every summer. Intensive relationship practice in a supportive environment.
Why This Matters for Us
Look, I know you already know that camp is hella important.
But having the Harvard Grant Study behind us? That’s pretty powerful validation.
We’re not just providing fun summer experiences. We’re literally giving kids the foundation skills that research shows predict health, happiness, and longevity across their entire lives.
Camp is the key for getting old.
We’re in the relationship business.
Turns out, that’s the most important business there is.
You got this,
Jack
PS - All people deserve friends. We just talked about this.
Camp is the best place on the planet to make friends.
Most camps struggle with neurodivergent kids, and many autistic adults don't have great places to build friendships.
Breezy, my super cool girlfriend and co-founder of Camp Skywild, started this awesome program with her bestie
FREE INCLUSION SPECIALIST TRAINING
- For the first 8 people to fill out the form below
- In person - Michigan - Nov 9-15
- 2.5 days of training. 2.5 days of practice
Bonus? I’ll be there! Come hang out with us!?
More info about the Inclusion Specialist Program
Typically, it's $799
I convinced her to give away 8 spots to the first 8 people who apply below because you all kick ass and deserve it.
Apply here for a free spot - first 8 people!
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It’s all about kids today
Jack Schott
Summer Camp Evangelist