10 Great Ways to Prepare for Camp
Even though winter is fully upon is in the Midwest, we are busy preparing for this summer’s great versions of our girls-only and boys-only camp programs! As we’ve been visiting with potential camp families at camp fairs, a common question is how they should prepare for a first-time camp experience.
To help your child maximize a camp experience, here are ten ways to help that happen!
- Talk with other parents and friends to learn from their camp experience. Ask the camp director to tell you about other camp families in your area.
- Introduce your child to other children who will be attending the camp. This can be in person, over the phone, or email. Ask questions and discuss concerns.
- Become familiar with the camp environment. Where do the children sleep, eat, and swim? What is the daily routine and schedule of activities? What do they do in the evening? Review a camp video with them and reinforce her excitement/interest about camp. Talk about the fun things your child is looking forward to doing at camp.
- Prepare your child to care for his/herself. Practice being at camp, such as “camp showers” (3-5 minutes) and writing letters home. Have your child spend a long weekend with a friend or relative, help with the packing, and learn to make their bed. Do not communicate with your child while they are on the visit. Discuss how it felt to not be able to talk on the phone (or message) daily.
- Problem solve with your child. Think about “What if” situations…”What if… you lost your favorite hat or don’t feel well.” Have her/him think of how s/he would solve the problems at camp. It is different than at home.
- Role-play and practice with your child on how s/he would respond to camp situations. Walk in the dark at night.
- Communication at camp is usually through letter writing. Help your child learn to write letters and practice. Address envelopes and post cards to all your child’s friends and relatives so they will receive mail. Discuss with her/him the camp policy regarding phone calls.
- Homesickness feelings are normal in adjusting to any new environment. If your child loves home and loves you, it’s natural for her to miss that when s/he’s away. Discuss how your child felt after spending a weekend with a friend. Did s/he think about you? How did s/he feel when s/he was missing home? When did s/he get these feelings? Homesick feelings are more prevalent during meals, free time and at night. Remember these are normal feelings and they are to be expected. They usually don’t last very long once the child becomes familiar and immersed in camp life.
- Prepare yourself for the separation. Parents often are anxious about sending their child to camp for the first time. This is also normal. Remember that you have chosen a safe camp for your child and s/he will be well looked after and enjoy a positive, growing experience.
- Plan for your child to stay the whole session. DO NOT tell your child that s/he can come home or that you will pick her/him up if s/he is homesick. It sets your child up for failure instead of success. It prevents her/him from becoming fully integrated into camp and can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
- The camp director is available for concerns. Call with questions and clarification.
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