A good progression for determining “readiness” is to start first with sleepovers at relative’s houses, then sleepovers at non-relatives (i.e. school or neighborhood friends). When the child (and parents) are comfortable with that, then it’s time for camp!
There can and should still be some nervousness since that’s a normal part of growth. Also, the more the child can be involved in the decision-making process and reviewing information, the better. Checking out camp videos and pictures, or visiting the camp and seeing what the facilities are like, are all beneficial to a would-be campers’ readiness and confidence.
Your child, as a first-time camper, need not come with a friend; it can often be more beneficial to their growth to come “alone.” We help new campers feel comfortable in a variety of ways including intentionality regarding camper groups, fostering a welcoming culture, exposing children to difference, embracing flexibility, and just plain having fun!
Many aspects of our camp help our first-year campers acclimate quickly. We are highly intentional when creating our different groups (cabins, teams, and tables), and distributing new and returning campers throughout. As a growing camp, we have critical masses of both returners and first-timers to maintain roughly even ratios. Having regular connections with three different groups maximizes each camper’s potential to connect with a variety of friends. The intentional groupings help our new campers feel connected very quickly.
Our camp culture generally helps new campers feel welcome. We emphasize a “cool to be kind” vibe (as opposed to what can sometimes happen in schools or other youth-serving environments, where it is sometimes cool to be cruel). Upon arrival, campers are greeted vociferously whether they have attended camp not at all, or for multiple years. No camper feels left out. Returning campers proudly play a part in the process; returners are responsible for helping new campers. Returners have appreciated our culture of kindness and like to make new campers as comfortable as they did their first summer. Children love the positive, supportive attention of peers. New campers also get immediately acclimated to camp during an opening-day tour. Nothing better than to know where everything is right away!
Our high camper return rate (of around 60%, which is high for a non-summer-long program) helps our traditions continue year after year. Having a critical mass of returners helps our new campers feel welcome because they have peers helping them. And, because we keep growing, our 60% returner rate gives us about a 50/50 new-to-returner ratio. Returning campers are quick to bring new campers into the positive camp culture.
We embrace the flexibility of new campers by allowing them to do all activities, regardless of prior camp experience. If a new camper wants to lead a song before a meal, we welcome, assist, and support them.
Overall, we empower each camper to find their voice and overcome challenges. Helping children find their voice helps them feel like they belong. Each camper is challenged to try new things; when children find something they are good at at camp, it helps them to expand that feeling of competence to other aspects of life.
Children have only one chance to be young; we enjoy allowing them to make the most of it. Being a part of our community gives campers a feeling of belonging that helps them look forward to returning to camp each year, rekindling previous friendships and making new ones. We love it when first-year campers leave camp feeling like they have become part of our Kupugani family.
Check out this useful quiz: Is Your Child Ready for Sleepaway Camp?
