Preparing Your Child for the Summer Camp Experience
Consider camp as a learning experience.
This is an opportunity for your child to explore a world bigger than his/her neighborhood and a chance for you and your child to practice "letting go". Letting go allows children to develop autonomy and a stronger sense of self, make new friends, develop new social skills, learn about teamwork, be creative and much more. This time also allows parents an opportunity to enjoy some time without their child so that they will feel refreshed when their child returns home from camp.
Prepare for camp together.
Decisions about camp - like where to go and what to pack - should be a joint venture, keeping in mind your child's maturity. If your child feels part of the decision-making process, his/her chances of having a positive experience will improve.
Talk about concerns.
As the first day of camp nears, some children experience uneasiness about going somewhere new or going away from home. Encourage your child to talk about these feelings rather than acting on what you think his/her feelings may be. Communicate confidence in your child's ability to handle being away from home.
Have realistic expectations.
Camp, like the rest of life, has high and low points. Not every moment will be filled with wonder and excitement. Encourage your child to have a reasonable and realistic view of camp. Discuss both the ups and downs your child may experience. Your child should not feel pressured to succeed at camp, either. The main purpose of camp is to relax and have fun.
The information is in this section has been taken from the American Camping Associations literature.
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