There may be several months between the time that you select your and Overnight Summer Camp and send in your deposit and opening day. However, helping your child prepare for camp involves more than just packing their trunk. You want to make sure that your child is ready emotionally for this new adventure.
As parents we want to talk about this amazing thing called camp yet don't do to much of it. Preparing your child is a delicate balance. Kids may seem to loose a sense of reality, and his expectations and fantasies may never be met, leading to disappointment, so be careful not to overdo your chats. In addition, kids could focus on their anxieties so much that it's overwhelming, leading to increased homesick. So if you have a long lead time till camp starts, occasionally bring it up and then in April or May make it a higher priority. As You receive pre-camp brochures and information from camp, share these with your children.
Talking about Summer Camp: Children have incredible radar, and can easily feel your concerns and fears. Carefully select the words you use when talking about camp. Be sure to visit your local library to pick up books and movies about summer camp. Sure, many of these have exaggerated storylines they can produce good conversation. Watch or read them together.
However, make sure to pick up on the subtle signals that your child sends. If they seem put off by the books or videos, then drop the subject. Most importantly, make sure that you never use camp as a threat or in anger. It's important that you never seem like you're counting the days until your child leaves for camp. The words can linger longer than you think, and it will confuse your child about what camp is supposed to be. Your child should believe that camp is a fun experience and that is why you have chosen it.
Some Dos * Meet the camp director before camp begins.
* Arrange a play date with another camper before camp.
* continue to have sleepovers with family and friends.
* Do continue to have short separations, such as sleepovers with family and friends for good practice.
* Do allow your child to verbalize her concerns, even if they sound silly. You may learn about worries that you can easily resolve.
* Talk to an fellow camper about the program. He or she can tell you what you will really need to know and what kids really wear, and do at camp.
Some Don'ts: * Minimize change as camp comes close. Keep things as normal as possible, especially in the time close to the first day.
* Don't try to squeeze in a family vacation just before camp starts. Plan to be at home for at least five days before your child leaves for camp to provide the comfort of a usual routine.
* Don't let your child suspect you have concerns about his adjustment.
These are just a few ideas that can help you as you send your child to Summer Camp for the first time. To learn more be sure to visit Summer Camp Advice
As parents we want to talk about this amazing thing called camp yet don't do to much of it. Preparing your child is a delicate balance. Kids may seem to loose a sense of reality, and his expectations and fantasies may never be met, leading to disappointment, so be careful not to overdo your chats. In addition, kids could focus on their anxieties so much that it's overwhelming, leading to increased homesick. So if you have a long lead time till camp starts, occasionally bring it up and then in April or May make it a higher priority. As You receive pre-camp brochures and information from camp, share these with your children.
Talking about Summer Camp: Children have incredible radar, and can easily feel your concerns and fears. Carefully select the words you use when talking about camp. Be sure to visit your local library to pick up books and movies about summer camp. Sure, many of these have exaggerated storylines they can produce good conversation. Watch or read them together.
However, make sure to pick up on the subtle signals that your child sends. If they seem put off by the books or videos, then drop the subject. Most importantly, make sure that you never use camp as a threat or in anger. It's important that you never seem like you're counting the days until your child leaves for camp. The words can linger longer than you think, and it will confuse your child about what camp is supposed to be. Your child should believe that camp is a fun experience and that is why you have chosen it.
Some Dos * Meet the camp director before camp begins.
* Arrange a play date with another camper before camp.
* continue to have sleepovers with family and friends.
* Do continue to have short separations, such as sleepovers with family and friends for good practice.
* Do allow your child to verbalize her concerns, even if they sound silly. You may learn about worries that you can easily resolve.
* Talk to an fellow camper about the program. He or she can tell you what you will really need to know and what kids really wear, and do at camp.
Some Don'ts: * Minimize change as camp comes close. Keep things as normal as possible, especially in the time close to the first day.
* Don't try to squeeze in a family vacation just before camp starts. Plan to be at home for at least five days before your child leaves for camp to provide the comfort of a usual routine.
* Don't let your child suspect you have concerns about his adjustment.
These are just a few ideas that can help you as you send your child to Summer Camp for the first time. To learn more be sure to visit Summer Camp Advice
About the Author:
Swift Nature Camp a non-competitive, Minnesota Summer Camps that offers a traditional summer camp for Boy and Girls ages 6-15. Campers enjoy camp activities as they learn at this Animal Summer Camp.
