Tips to Keep in Mind for a First-Time Camper
So it’s your first time sending your baby away? We understand that it can seem daunting. Sending a child away to camp for the first time is a major milestone for most families; it’s exciting, eagerly anticipated, and potentially an anxious time. However, it doesn’t need to be scary! Your child will be well taken care of. When children are taking positive risks in a safe and nurturing camp environment, they don’t have much time to miss home; most of their time is dedicated to fun, growing, and learning. With proper preparation, you can send your camper off prepared and excited to enjoy these new challenges.
At our multicultural camp with girls-only and boys-only sessions, our registered campers will soon receive parent packets with preparation checklists, but below are a few quick tips from professionals and child development experts to help prepare your child for the time of her/his life:
Talk to her/him before camp.
“What does your child expect to do at camp? Learning about the camp experience ahead of time allows you to create positive expectations. Also, talking with your child about these kinds of issues is a great way to show support as your child gets ready to take this important step on the road to being more resilient and self-reliant. For you as a parent, it can give you more peace of mind as you allow your child to participate safely in a broader world.” – Peg L. Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association
Prepare your child for issues that may come up.
“Share with your child that everyone has good days and bad days, and if they are having a problem, their counselor is there to help them. Make sure they understand that if the counselor doesn’t know what might be troubling them, he/she can’t help. Ask your child to be honest and to ask for what they need.” – Bob Ditter, family therapist
Making new friends at camp.
“If your child is shy about meeting new kids, encourage them to get to know others by being a good listener. Also, remind them that not everyone in the cabin, bunk, or group has to be their friend, and they don’t have to be everyone else’s friend, as long as they treat one another with respect.” – Bob Ditter, family therapist
Homesickness is normal, and can be minimized.
“Tell your child that some feelings of homesickness are normal! When children arrive at camp with a repertoire of coping strategies and some practice time away from home under their belts, they are ready for those normal feelings of homesickness.” – Ann Sheets, Former President of the American Camp Association