Well to be clear not all summer camps operate the same way. There’s going to be benefits at one you won’t find at another.

That said, I don’t think it is what you described like at all. Parents, especially working parents, are just not going to plan all the activities you would do at a summer camp. Yes there is hiking and biking but also archery, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and all kinds of games. Kids also get to learn about nature, conservation, geology, and more. It’s an enriching experience.