Young people leave summer camp with happy memories and newly honed skills. But at a time when kids are increasingly plugged into screens and facing rising levels of anxiety and isolation, MetroWest YMCA leaders say camp can offer something even more essential.

This year, campers at MetroWest YMCA programs, including the Outdoor Center in Hopkinton, will bring home something that will help them thrive throughout their lives.

Kindness, integrity and resilience.

These three attributes have been described as “character superpowers’’ by Bartt Pinchuck, Executive Director of the MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center.

And they will be emphasized at the camps thanks to a prestigious grant.

The MetroWest YMCA has received the American Camp Association’s Character at Camp Grant, which supports this focus on character building.

The grant allows camps to deepen their commitment to youth mental well-being support, provide additional training for staff in these areas and expand family engagement to ensure that the growth youngsters develop during camp continues at home.

Each of the three traits serves a valuable purpose, Pinchuck said.

Kindness builds a sense of belonging. Integrity leads to better decision-making. Resilience helps youngsters handle life’s inevitable setbacks.

“These are not abstract ideas,’’ Pinchuck said. “We give kids opportunities to practice them every day. At its best, camp offers three things at once: the opportunity to take on real challenges, to feel seen for who they are, and to build confidence through doing.’’

In a world where screen use can lead to anxiety and isolation, a primary goal is for kids to be happy, feel a sense of belonging and develop socially and emotionally.

As a parent, Pinchuck said the priorities are simple. “The questions families are really asking aren’t about grades or performance. They’re asking: Are my kids making friends? Are they kind to others? Did they find their people? Are they becoming good human beings?”

Slowing the pace enough to acknowledge positive moments matters, Pinchuck said. “The staff is able to stop and recognize it when it happens rather than just moving along.’’

The camp runs from June 22 to Aug. 28 in one-week sessions. The camp began operating in 1914 and has been part of the Metrowest YMCA since 1963.

We’ve been shaping children into confident, capable adults for generations,’’ Pinchuck said.

And with the new grant, the lessons learned go even deeper.

Families can learn more and register at metrowestymca.org/camp.

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