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. Preparing will help make a child’s camp time more successful. The American Camp Association of 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.
Positive Messages: It’s important for parents to share positive messages about summer camp. It’s common for a child to have some apprehension as the first day of camp approaches—encourage your child to talk about these feelings. “The number one question from new camper parents is always concerning transition and homesickness,” says Mark Transport, owner and director of CampTaconic in Hinsdale, MA and Crestwood Country Day Camp in Melville, NY. “As a camp owner for over 20 years, I try to simplify the process. I explain that 90 percent of the solution lies in being comfortable and confident as parents about the camp experience in the first place.”
New Camper Get-Togethers: 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’re 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. “Taking the time to assess what your child’s individual needs are prior to getting on the bus the first day of camp can be crucial to a successful first day of camp. Parents should create a checklist of events, rituals, and comforts that will help their child get on the bus without fear for the first time,” says Josh Male, owner and director of Gate Hill Day Camp in Stony Point, NY. “These can include pre-camp events and orientations, meeting the bus counselor, bringing a toy or comfort item from home, activities and icebreakers the camp provides during the bus ride and inquiring about who your child will sit with during their ride and possibly setting up a play-date prior to the first day of camp.” Prior to the start of camp, ask the camp director if any of these events or activities are possible and see if you are comfortable with the camp’s process for managing the transition to commuting to camp.
Packing: 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. “Whether your child is going to day or sleepaway camp for the first time, encourage your child to pack something from home that will make them feel better if they miss home,” says Renee Flax, Camper Placement Specialist at the American Camp Association, NY and NJ. “A stuffed animal, photo of the family, or some memento may give them some comfort while they are away from home.”
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. “It is important to understand that children will have some adjustment issues when going off to camp,” Transport says. “Successful camps are all well versed in making their first time campers adjust quickly and directors don’t get thrown by the separation anxiety some campers will feel.” 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
