Whether your kid’s summer camp experience was academically focused, creatively colored, or centered on sports, chances are, they learned something cool—and what happens at camp, doesn’t have to stay there. Help your kids make the most of summer camp by having them teach the family what they learned at camp during weekly family activities.
Chances are your kids learned some cool new (or improved) skills over summer camp.Whynot name them “counselors” for the night and let them share some of their new know-how?
Get the whole family involved. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, have a regular family gathering where kids take turns leading a lesson on something they learned at camp. Teens may be more reluctant to participate than younger children, but the pride in being the expert is great motivation—so play up their authoritative role!
Help them prepare. Are you going to be cooking tiny pizzas, doing a fun craft, or working on your corner kick? Whatever the activity, make a list of supplies and take your child shopping for the items needed.
Let your child own it. For a short while, at least, you become the student. If you are already familiar with the skill being taught, try to avoid correcting your child or teaching him “your way.” Help your child develop his skills by allowing him to work through things while he teaches you. Be patient and have fun.
Be willing to get silly. While the purpose behind these how-to sessions is to help your kid treasure the knowledge gained at camp, it’s equally important that she enjoys teaching you. Encourage her to share some of the goofier moments from when she learned her skill at camp (like a camp song, rhyme, or dance), and she’ll undoubtedly recall how much fun camp is.
Wondering what you should be thinking about now for your child’s next summer at camp? Check out The American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey’s timeline.
