10 Things a First-Time Camper Should Know
At our intentional summer camp program near Chicago, Illinois, we recognize that it’s natural for a child to be nervous about attending summer camp. To ease a child’s mind, here are ten things that every camper should know before enjoying their first sleepaway camp experience.
1. After the first day or two of camp, you will have made new friends.
2. If you ever have a time that you become homesick (which is normal, and 95% of campers get it at some point…including many returning campers), you can talk to staff members and fellow campers who have been through the same thing. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way home at the end of camp, and will miss camp the same way (or more) than you may have missed home.
3. The food at camp (especially at Kupugani) is delicious and nutritious. Camps make sure that kids have healthy meals that taste great.
4. You will get to see a variety of wildlife (if you’re lucky) that you don’t get to see at home—like deer, raccoons, rabbits, snakes and spiders. At our camp, there are no animals that can hurt you (and unless you’re super quiet, they tend to run away). Critters are much more scared of you (as a human) than you are of them!
5. Camp is a place to learn, have fun and grow. You’ll have opportunities to learn in ways that you may not encounter in school.
6. Camp counselors are big kids at heart and love to have fun, just like you do. They want the best for you.
7. Be sure to enter camp with an open mind; that way you can explore the limitless potential of new friends, activities, personal growth, and fun!
8. Safety is maximized at camp. There are plenty of adults around to ensure that your explorations don’t result in harm. If a mishap does happen, unlike at most homes, there’s a camp nurse on hand so you would be well taken care of.
9. You can write home anytime you want!
10. Camp is a great place to learn about who you really are. You may find a new activity that you have never tried before (slacklining or stand up paddleboarding anyone?), and find a new passion!