There’s nothing quite like summer camp. When children take time away from their families, that’s when they get the first taste of the real world. It’s when they come into their own, get a sense of true independence. It’s exciting and new, and the memories that are made at summer camp are ones they will take with them well into adulthood.
However, for some kids going away, and spending time without their families can be a very stressful time. With that in mind, here are some tips for preparing your kids for summer camp.
Plan Far in Advance
The best first step in preparing your kids for summer camp is to plan it out as far ahead of time as possible. You want to choose their camp early, and even pack long before it’s time for them to go. You’ll likely think of new things to include as you pack, and you may need to visit the store several times.
Then again, planning in advance is not just about picking the camp and packing for it. Which brings me to my next to tip…
Give Them a Taste of What Time Away From Home Will Feel Like
If they’ve never been away from home before, then sending your kids away to summer camp is a lot like throwing your child into the deep end of the pool, and asking them to learn how to swim.
Instead, try a sleepover at a family or friend’s house to see how they feel about being away from mom and dad for the first time. You may need to do this a few times to get them used to the idea of not being able to just come straight home. This is especially true if the summer camp they will be attending is out of state. It’s not always easy to come to their rescue if it means a plane ride or several hours drive to pick them up.
In fact, before sending them to summer camp, you could try letting them stay with a family or friend that is not close to home. The fact that you’re not close by could give them a better sense of what it will feel like to actually be away at summer camp.
Go Over the Basics Of Things They Should Expect
During summer camp your child may need to do a lot of things for themselves they’re not used to doing. Things like picking up wet swimsuits, and keeping towels off the floor, even making sure that their toiletries get back into the correct bags after they bathe. Explain to your child everything that could happen while they’re away, so they won’t be surprised if they have to handle some things for themselves for the first time.
Let Them Know How to Reach You
Give them all phone numbers, and contact information. But, be sure to prepare them for the fact that during summer camp, picking up the phone and calling home may not be easy. In many cases there are only certain times of the day they would even be able to call home. Explain this to them so they understand ahead of time communication may not be frequent, and might actually be very difficult.
Pack Adequate Gear For Them
Check the weather of the area they will be attending the summer camp. Should there be rain, make sure they have rain boots and a poncho. If there will be lots of swimming, obviously you’ll want them to have proper swimsuits and sunscreen. Get as much information about the excursions and activities your child will be doing, so they can be dressed appropriately.
Explain That They May Have to Share Space
Your child may be used to having their own room, but at summer camp this may not be possible. Share with them what having a roommate will be like, and give them advice for getting along with them. It may be a good idea to host a few sleepovers before sending them to summer camp, so that they’ll understand a little bit better what sharing their space will be like.
Tell Your Child It’s Okay to Be Homesick
Let your first-time camper know that is it’s completely normal to miss home. On the other hand, don’t tell them you’ll come and get them if they get homesick. Instead offer some advice for how to handle missing home such as writing a letter to loved ones, or simply looking at a picture of their family. Reassure them that before they know it summer camp will be over, and they’ll be back home. Who knows? As soon as they get home they may miss being at summer camp.
At the same time, tell your child it’s okay not to be homesick as well. Reassure them that it’s totally fine if they’re having so much fun that they don’t miss home. After all, summer camp is supposed to be an enjoyable experience, so make sure they know that it’s okay for them to have a good time without you.