Preparing For Camp, Part 1

For many children, attending some type of camp every summer is as natural as going to the pool or eating an ice cream on a hot day. Camp offers kids a lot of opportunities for growth. Socially, they learn how to work as part of a group, communal living skills (at resident/overnight camps), how to make new friends, conflict resolution, and many other invaluable skills. Personally, there’s a unique element of “structured independence”, where they can feel free to make certain decisions and choices, in a safe and supportive environment, allowing for personal growth. The benefits of camp are many, and we hope that you are considering sending your child to summer camp this year if you haven’t already.

For the first-timers, parents of those children and teens who are going to have their first away from home experience this summer (or even the first time at a new camp), there are some things that you can do prior to packing up the car and heading to camp that will help guarantee a smooth, rewarding experience for both you and your camper.

First, from the very beginning, involve your children and teens as much as possible in the process. They should be an integral part of the decision to go to camp in the first place. Every child develops at a different rate– some will be ready to head off to camp almost as soon as they’ve mastered the art of walking, and others will be reluctant to leave home until their teenage years. Forcing a child to attend a sleep-away camp who is just not ready yet might lead to an unpleasant first experience that they will be reluctant to repeat. If your child is anxious about being away from you, perhaps start small, with overnight stays with friends, day camps with a one-night stay-over, or half-week overnight camps with a buddy or two.

Once you have made the decision and the commitment to attend an overnight camp, don’t stop talking with your child about the camp they will be attending. Talk positively about all of the fun things that they will be doing. If you went to camp as a child, speak to them about all the wonderful experiences that you had while attending camp, and all the friends you made. It’s important when you’re discussing camp to be realistic as well…camp isn’t a theme park, and if they haven’t spent much time outdoors, a traditional overnight camp will be an adjustment on that front as well. Encourage them to ask any questions that they might have, and often a pre-summer visit to tour the camp is a good idea. As the time to depart for camp draws near, involve your campers-to-be in the aspects of preparation for camp; going with you to purchase supplies such as sunscreen and bug spray, making a packing list, and then packing together. In the meantime, as camp nears it may be that you are having more anxiety yourself than your camper is, and that is very common. We often find just as much if not more “campsickness” from our parents than homesickness from our campers.

It’s very important to not let any anxiety you may have pass to your camper prior to attending camp. Remind yourself that you have chosen a quality camp with a good reputation, caring and supportive staff, and that camp is an invaluable learning experience that your child deserves to take part in. Avoid saying things before camp such as “if you aren’t having a good time, we will come and get you,” as this will allow your child to feel as though they don’t have to actually try to adjust to the camp experience. Also, saying things that indicate that parents, siblings, or pets will have a hard time adjusting to your camper being away from home may lead to your child feeling guilty for being away, which certainly won’t allow them to become fully involved while at camp.

While the first significant amount of time away from home and away from loved ones can sometimes be challenging for children, it is an important step in their growth and development, and can and should be very positive. If you prepare both yourself and your camper for their first camp experience, you are both much more likely to have a smooth adjustment, and your camper is likely to have a wonderful and unforgettable time away from home…one that they will hopefully want to repeat again every summer!

*Original Article found on our Winter 2009 Newsletter, written by Sarah Holder.