This is an excellent article from American Camp Association!
In summary, it promotes the fact that at the heart of camp are the things that build up people. Hardships. Failures. Homesickness. I would add, fun, relationships and the outdoors go a long way in this building of a person.
You simply must read this article:
http://www.acacamps.org/campmag/1311/tried-true
Tuna