You’ve made the exciting decision to send your child to camp this summer. This is an important milestone in a child’s life and you want to make sure you prepare your child for the experience before the first day of camp arrives. This will help make a child’s camp experience more successful. The American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey recommends the following tips for getting your first time camper ready and excited for camp.
Expectations – Learn about the camp program and discuss it with your child so he or she knows what to expect. Talking about camp in the months leading up to the summer will build your child’s enthusiasm about camp.
Positive Messages – It is important for parents to share positive messages about summer camp. It is common for a child to have some apprehension as the first day of camp approaches, encourage your child to talk about these feelings.
New camper get-together – Many camps host a pre-camp event for first time campers. This is a good way for children to meet other children going to the camp for the first time. It also gives campers a chance to get to know the camp director and for the director to get to know you and your child.
Successful overnights for sleepaway – If you are sending your child to sleepaway camp, your child probably has had positive overnight experiences away from home with friends and relatives. If not, make sure you schedule some sleepovers for your child before camp. You want to make sure these overnights are successful and that your child is mature enough to go away for an extended period of time.
Bus preparation for day camp – For many children going to day camp for the first time, this will be the first time they take a bus. Talk about what the bus ride will be like and what your child can expect on the bus to and from camp.
Pack for camp with your child – If your child is going to sleepaway camp, discuss what items will be needed for camp and pack together. Your child will feel more secure if they know what they are bringing to camp and you can use the time packing together to talk with your child about how much fun camp is going to be. Make sure to look at the camp packing list and respect the items the camp asks you to leave at home such as cell phones and iPads.
Watch the camp video and visit website – Most likely, you watched the camp video with your child when choosing the camp. As summer approaches, this is a good time to watch it again. This will be a good reminder to your child about all he or she has to look forward to. Visit the camp’s website together and look at the activity list, photos and the camp map to give your child a feel for what camp will be like.
Don’t make pick up deals – While discussing camp, don’t make plans to pick your child up from camp if he or she doesn’t like it. You are giving your child the message that you don’t believe he will be successful at camp. Before camp begins, let your child know you are confident in his or her ability to have a wonderful summer camp experience.
Questions – Ask your child if he or she has any questions about camp. Keeping an open dialogue about what camp will be like will help your child feel comfortable about going to camp for the first time.
Call the camp director – If you sense your child is nervous about camp, you can always call the camp director and ask for their advice. The camp director has a lot of experience with first time campers and will be able to offer you some ways which you can help your child get over any worries about the first day of camp.
Day camp spring festivals – Many day camps host spring festivals at camp, opening their doors to current families and prospective families. Attending a spring festival is a good opportunity for your child to see the camp a few months before summer begins and build that excitement up.
The American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey is a not for profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of the summer camp experience. The American Camp Association, NY and NJ offers families looking for a camp free, one-on-one advice in finding the right summer camp experience for their child. 212-391-5208. searchforacamp.org.
