Summer Camp Preparedness: A Roadmap for Parents

You registered them in the middle of winter thinking you’d have more than enough time to get prepared, but now the start of summer camp is around the corner and…well…you’re both feeling a bit unsettled. 
 
Rest assured those feelings are completely normal— especially if this is your child’s first time away from home. Thankfully, with the right combination of positivity and planning, you can ease your own mind and help make their first summer camp experience one to remember.
 
PROS OF SUMMER CAMP
 
First and foremost, it’s important to remember why you thought camp was a good idea in the first place!
 
The upsides of summer camp are many. From developing leadership and social skills to building confidence and spending active time outdoors, camp is a unique ecosystem for kids to learn and grow outside the classroom.
 
In fact, a University of Waterloostudy of both day campers and overnight campers found that 69% of participants showed positive growth in the area of emotional intelligence, while 67% displayed growth in the areas of self confidence and personal development. 
 
Speak to any summer camp alumni and chances are they’ll tell you how their most beloved memories and cherished life experiences are tied to their childhood summer camp.  
 
Still, even with all its benefits, the prospect of putting your kids on a bus and sending them away for weeks or even days at a time can be daunting for everyone involved. 
 
You may find yourself asking: Will they be well taken care of? Are they going to be homesick? Will they shower and eat properly? These questions are perfectly valid and likely go through the mind of every parent in your shoes.
 
If you or your child are feeling a bit anxious in the lead-up to camp, the below tips may help:
 
PREPARING YOURSELF                                                                                                                                                        
 

• Stay Connected: Many camps nowadays upload daily photos to their website as a way for parents to confirm their kids are safe and having fun. Not only is this a reassurance, it can also provide content for camp letters that will let them know you’re in the loop, “I was so proud to see you swimming in the lake!”

 

• Speak Up: You know your child better than anyone so be sure to communicate any areas of concern (i.e. allergies, homesickness, social dynamics) ahead of time and work with the camp to create a plan for success. It will give you confidence knowing you’re all on the same page. 

 

• Stay Busy:  Camp should be seen as a growth opportunity for both you and your child. Consider signing up for an activity that you wouldn’t otherwise take advantage of if your child was at home. 

 

• Seek Support: If you’re feeling nervous about sending your child to camp, chances are you’re not the only one. Reach out to other camp parents for support, encouragement and advice. A little camaraderie can go a long way!

 
PREPARING YOUR KIDS
 

• Talk, Talk, Talk: It’s perfectly normal for your child to be apprehensive in the lead-up to camp, the important thing is to keep the lines of communication open. Normalize nervousness by sharing your own sleepaway experience as an example and discuss problem solving strategies for tough situations (i.e. homesickness).  

 

• Get Ready Together: Involve your kids in the pre-camp process by letting them pick out their gear (i.e. water bottle, sun hat and bedding). They’ll get excited when they see a duffle bag full of stuff they recognize. 

 

• Be Positive: Perhaps the most constructive thing you can do as a parent is project a sense of excitement, positivity and calm about camp. If they’re nervous about playing outdoors, you might say, “think of it as one giant recess!” If you convey enthusiasm, they’ll gradually pick up on it.

 
From nurturing independence to fostering physical activity, there are endless benefits to a summer spent at camp. By following the above steps, you can help ensure this summer is a successful one for the whole family.