By
Faye Rogaski, founder%uFFFD socialsklz:-) tools to thrive in
the modern world featuring campsklz:-) workshops
With the school days dwindling
and anticipation for summer camp growing, it’s essential to get our kids
prepared for, what is for many, a first-time experience. And I’m not just talking
about putting labels on clothing and packing bug spray—I’m talking about
emotionally preparing your child to be away from everything that is familiar to
them.%uFFFD Heading
to camp can illicit all sorts of feelings: a new place with new people,
experiences, and activities – all of which
can cause anxiety for kids and parents alike. —
At%uFFFDsocialsklz:-),%uFFFDwe’ve
learned that the best way to counteract those jitters is by being prepared.%uFFFD Empowerment begins
with knowledge. So before you start packing that
trunk, make your kids aware of what to expect from camp life and teach them the
social skills (see below!) that will guarantee them one of the best summers of
their lives.
- Camp is a great opportunity to make new friends. Discuss with your child how
to approach someone for the first time and how to make a good first
impression. Then try it out with a practice run. - Just because it’s a “mess hall” doesn’t mean it’s a
manners free-for-all.%uFFFDA lesson
on basic dining skills, not necessarily fancy dining, is a must.%uFFFD
- Encourage them to try new activities. Talk to your kids about being open minded—
sometimes we have preconceived notions about things that turn out to be
fun!%uFFFDGive your child an anecdotal story of something you tried (and
ended up loving) as a child.
- Grooming basics for sleep-away campers. Even when you’re outdoors, it’s important to
stay clean, especially when parents aren’t around to check-up on things. Having
a hygiene routine is key! Get your child set up with a proper routine in
advance.
- Bunk life. Remind your child to be mindful of others by
cleaning up the cabin, being respectful to bunkmates and learning to handle
sticky situations that can arise while living with others. %uFFFD
- Technology do’s and don’ts. If your child brings an electronic toy,
encourage them to share it with their fellow campers. Turning on a gaming
device might deter any opportunity to make new friends. However, bringing
an expensive toy to camp poses the risk of being lost or stolen, so
valuable items should probably be left at home.
- Counselor interaction. While they’re not teachers, they still command
respect.%uFFFD If your child has an issue
with a specific counselor, encourage them to go talk to a trusted
counselor or go to the camp administration.
- Homesickness often arises out of the child feeling
uncomfortable and insecure.%uFFFD Show
compassion and understanding to your child, but don’t enable them. Have
them bring something to remind them of home and urge your child to stay
active. Good social skills are the
antidote to homesickness.
- Empty nest syndrome. Whether this is your first time sending your
child to camp or you’ve been through the drill before, sending your child
away can cause feelings of loss and loneliness. Be sure to write to your
child often and plan a few special things for visiting day (like preparing
a favorite dish or bringing something from home, like a favorite toy).
Keep in mind that crying and being sad will only trigger your child’s
fears and homesickness, so stay strong.%uFFFD
Your child knows that you love and will miss them.
By putting the
time in with your kids now, you are ensuring that they won’t lose sight on
having fun because they aren’t emotionally equipped. Camp is both a rite of
passage for a child and a respite from parenting for adults—so take the time to
prepare your child and yourself for a
great summer.
