10 TIPS TO PREPARE KIDS FOR SUMMER CAMP
The summer is coming, and for many children, this will mean a trip to camp. Camps in the summer can play a significant role in developing young people’s lives, fostering new friendships, raising awareness of the natural world, and encouraging independence. Before boarding the bus (or taking a ride in the car), your child might be experiencing anxiety before camp. When it comes to sending your children to a day or an overnight camp, a little planning will go a long way in ensuring that they enjoy an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
1. Inspire excitement by engaging children in preparations for the camp
Participating children at the beginning of the selection process for camp and discussing the things they’ll get to enjoy can increase excitement for attending camp. “Getting kids involved in the process of choosing which camp they want to attend, Camps in the summer how long they want to go away for and the activities they’re interested in signing up for is also a wonderful way to ease anxiety,” says Erin McLaughlin, communications specialist at Our Kids.
2. Go to the camp or take a look at the pictures
The majority of anxiety stems from fear of being in a new place. If going to the camp in advance isn’t possible, take a look at the videos and pictures on the site of the camp. You can also request referrals from the camp so that your child can speak with other children who have been to the camp. The more experience they have with the place, the more relaxed they’ll feel.
3. Get ready for the possibility of overnight stays
Make arrangements for the time to stay with grandparents or with friends for kids to become accustomed to sleeping in a separate space while sleeping in a brand new setting.
4. The process of dealing with anxiety over separation
When your kid is anxious about feeling homesick, assure them that it’s not a typical feeling and they’ll be supported by other campers and the staff. “If your child is especially apprehensive, inform the camp director so counselors can pay special attention,
5. Develop independence
Camps help children be independent. Encourage your child’s independence at an early age by having them assist with chores, for example, making their bed, organizing their things, and packing the things they’ll need for camp.
6. Shop
Asking your child to be involved with packing and shopping for camp allows them to look at all the things they’ll need to bring to camp and will inspire them to be excited about going to camp.
7. Go through the camp’s packing checklist
How much your child is required to spend at camp is contingent on the type of camp and the length of time. Many camps will have an itemized list of recommended items to bring to the camp. It is important to bring clothes that are comfortable and that your child doesn’t want to be dirty in, shoes that are sturdy, and make sure that they have medications with dosage guidelines.
8. Label your belongings
Make sure you don’t lose or misplace belongings by labelling all clothing and equipment using permanent markers. Create a packing checklist of all the items you need to ensure you don’t leave things behind in the camp.
9. Keep expensive things at home
It’s recommended not to take any expensive consoles for gaming that could be taken or damaged, and do not bring money or jewellery.
10. A last-minute gift
When your children are worried about leaving home, put a congratulatory note in their bag to surprise them during their first day at camp. It’s also possible to bring writing tools (paper pens, pens, and stamped envelopes) to help them resist the desire to write home.
