Be it day or sleepaway, going to camp for the first time is a big step for a child. Camp is a supportive community where kids gain self-confidence, learn life skills and try new activities. To assess whether your child is ready for the experience, the American Camp Association suggests contemplating several criteria.
Consider your child.
“It is important to know your child, including your child’s interests and strengths, ability to engage in new situations and willingness to try something new,” says Genna Singer, director of JCC Camps in Manhattan. “Using this knowledge will help you determine whether your child is ready for the camp experience and which camp is right for your child.”
Factor in your child’s age.
Often a child’s first experience away from home, day camps are designed for children 3 years and older. As kids return home each late afternoon of day camp, it’s a wonderful step toward independence.
Generally, children attend sleepaway camp starting at age 7. However, just because a child reaches a certain age doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she is ready for sleepaway camp.
Use the past as a tool.
Think about past sleepovers and playdates. Has your child been successful when away from home? If your child felt panic stricken and needed to come home in the middle of the night, sleepaway camp might have to wait.
Parents should keep in mind that even if a child’s close friends are going to sleepaway camp, the child is not necessarily ready. Make sure your child is mature enough for sleepaway camp and self-assured to do certain things independently, such as showering, brushing one’s hair and teeth, and getting dressed.
Do some research.
Having kids learn about camp allows them to create positive expectations. “The known is comforting to a child so take a tour of the camp, visit the camp cabins, and meet the camp directors,” says Ann Young, owner and director of Camp Hilltop, a coed resident camp in the Catskills. “This will build your child’s excitement about camp while familiarizing them with camp.”
Take a tour of the camps that appeal to your kids the summer before a they plan to attend in order to allow them to see the place in action. Also inquire about programs like rookie days, which are designed to give prospective campers a chance to try out camp for a few days without a commitment.
Reflect on your child’s interest in camp.
Does your child talk about wanting to be at camp and camp activities in an upbeat manner on a sustained basis? How much prompting must you do to hear about camp? Camp decisions should be made together. The more involved children are in the process, the more successful the experience is for everyone.
Share consistent and positive messages about camp.
“Children pick up on the emotions of their parents,” says Jon Deren, owner and director of Camp Manitou, a resident camp for boys in Maine. “It helps to be clear with yourself and your child about what camp will be like. Set positive expectations for your child.” Also let your child know that as parents you are confident in your child’s ability to thrive at summer camp. If your son or daughter is feeling uneasiness about going, encourage your child to talk about it. “No one knows your child as well as you,” Deren adds. “Trust your instincts. If you feel your child is ready for camp, he or she probably is. If yes, then speak to the camp director to help get you and your child prepared for the wonderful experience of camp.”
Six Must-Have Items for Camp
- Clothing: Ensure your child has swimsuits, T-shirts, shorts, a jacket, sweatshirts, rain gear and dress clothes if needed. Don’t forget sweatpants or other long pants to keep kids warm on cooler days and protect them from poison ivy and bugs bites.
- Footwear: Stock up on proper footwear for the many activities at camp. Your child might need rain boots, tennis shoes, socks, sandals and even dress shoes.
- Headgear: Pack baseball hats, bandannas or sun hats for sun protection. Confirm kids have sunglasses and swimming goggles to protect eyes in and out of the water.
- Bedding: Remember towels for all campers and for sleepaway campers, send a blanket, a pillow, pillowcases, sheets, a sleeping bag, a laundry bag and a mattress pad if such bedding and necessities aren’t provided.
- Bathroom Essentials: Give sleepaway campers a brush, shampoo, conditioner, soap and a soap container, a toothbrush and a holder, toothpaste, deodorant, insect repellent, feminine products if need be, sunblock, shaving gear and lip balm.
- Miscellaneous: Other items great for camp include reading and writing materials, such as stamps and stationery for sending mail home, a flashlight and a water bottle. When considering electronics, check with the camp about its policies.
Finding out the answers to these questions will help you make an informed camp decision.
Camp is an exciting, new experience for your child but as the first day approaches, it is common for some children to feel some uneasiness.
What many may not realize is that camp provides children with opportunities to develop life skills that are difficult to learn in any other environment.
Many questions must be asked as you review the diverse summer experiences available to your child.