Get Your Child Ready for Summer Camp

It doesn't matter if it's your child's first or tenth time to be away from home, it's still not an easy, nor simple decision for parents to send off their children into an unfamiliar environment for an extended period of time. On the other side, you don't want your kid to remain under the glass bell forever. Here are some of the best ways to prepare yourself and your kid for summer camp!

Talk about the camp.

Especially if it's your child's first summer camp, it's very important to introduce the idea to your child in advance, and present the summer camp concept in a positive light. Being far away from home, surrounded by strangers, in unfamiliar settings, can be a lot to take in for a young and inexperienced camper. Share your childhood camping stories and discuss the perks of sleeping in nature, meeting new people, camp activities, and the overall experience, and thus encourage your child to use the upcoming opportunity. Remember to primarily focus on how fun and adventurous summer camps are, instead of showing concerns or bringing up topics like separation or homesickness—you don't want your kid to pick up any tension or develop fear or dislike towards camps before they even go to one.

Encourage independence.

Besides instilling a positive feeling within your child about the upcoming trip and camping experience, you should also work on encouraging independence and a sense of personal responsibility within your child in the weeks leading up to camp. Engaging your child in the process of choosing the camp will instill a sense of freedom and leadership within them, and prepare them to cope with whatever challenges they face in the camp. With your assessment and your child involved in the decision-making process, you'll make sure it's the kind of camp they like, or at very least, the one that matches their interests and offers suitable programs.

Shop and pack together.

Before getting to the packing list, agree with your child on must-haves and desirable-but-not-necessary items for a shopping tour. It's important to have plenty of play clothes that can and will easily get dirty, so look out for a kids’ clothes sale online for cute and affordable summer camp outfits. Do not forget bug spray, sunscreens, and sunglasses, since kids aren't prone to hiding in the shade, and will spend most of the time directly exposed to the sun. Have you kid decide on what they personally want to buy or bring with them, such as a board game, books or really anything they think they'll need or could make the camp experience more fun. Additionally, if your child is attached to a sentimental item, such as a teddy bear or a favorite blanket, let them bring it along—it will make their transition easier and ensure a touch of at-home feeling. When it comes to final packing, let them help or even do it themselves (with your final examination and approval of course), since this will help them learn how to pack on their own when the time comes to return home.

Have a talk with your child.

The last, but not the least important, to-do for a young camper's parent, is to have a serious talk about their safety, behavior, and camp rules. Regardless of your child's age, the exemplary academic achievements, or the fact that it's not their first summer camp, you need to sit down with them and go through some things thoroughly. Remind them of camp regulations and rules, your expectations, and generally good and respectful behavior they are expected to adhere to during the camp. Maybe even consider writing a note or a short letter in advance that you'll slip into your child's pocket or backpack, so they have something to rely on when feeling lost or lonely.

Being away from home, surrounded by strangers can seem scary and difficult for your young camper, but it's definitely worth it. You naturally want your kid to experience new things, develop their skills and grow into an independent individual, and the best way to achieve this is by encouraging them to leave their comfort zone from a young age. Take note of the tips above and, by providing them with both emotional and practical support, help your kid turn their summer camp experience into a time of their life.