Summer camp is an environment where children can develop their confidence and sense of independence and improve their self-esteem. It is important to set your children up for success. This can be done by doing the following before camp.
1. Allow your children to pack their bags. If parents pack their children’s bags, the child doesn’t know what’s in them. After putting them in their bags, children need to go through the camp checklist and check off the needed items.
2. Make sure your child has a water bottle. Put your child’s name on their water bottle so it can be returned if lost.
3. If your child is on medication to regulate behaviour at school, they should be on it at camp. Camp can be an extremely rewarding experience; however, it can also be overwhelming. Children who are on medication at school do better if they are on their medication at camp.
4. Don’t take your child off medication before a week of camp. Detoxing at camp is not recommended.
5. Don’t start a new diet/detox before camp. We buy all our food before going to camp. We often find out during camp from the children that they are
dairy-free/gluten-free/vegetarian. This information must be disclosed on the registration form, and the option must be paid for. If a child is gluten-sensitive, we want them to be healthy. However, if they can eat gluten at home, they can eat gluten at camp. Gluten-free food is expensive.
6. PACK APPROPRIATELY – Would you believe that sometimes children get dropped off for resident camp without bathing suits, shampoo, or underwear? When packing for summer camp, follow the camp’s suggested packing list. While writing that list, the professionals who direct your child’s camp consider the camp’s terrain, weather, and activities. Everything is on it for a reason!
7. LABEL EVERYTHING – I can guarantee that your child will lose something and completely forget they ever owned it. It simplifies a Camp Counselor’s life when they can easily find a name on abandoned shorts, flashlights, and toiletries. And those expensive iron-on labels? Kids LOVE to peel them off! Nothing works better than a Sharpie
8. BE OPTIMISTIC – Parents who feel nervous or hesitant about camp unintentionally transfer those feelings to their children. It’s best to remain positive, optimistic and encouraging while preparing your camper for their stay.
9. DROP-OFF AND PICK UP YOUR CAMPER ON TIME – Camp begins when drop-off ends. If your camper arrives late, she may miss out on choosing a bunk or playing community-building games. Kids should arrive during the designated drop-off time. Often, children feel self-conscious and emotional when they are dropped off too late.
10. GET TO KNOW CHILD’S COUNSELOR – When I hire my summer camp staff, I consider their skill set, references, maturity, and qualifications. I ask myself, “Would I trust this person with my children?” Your child’s Camp Counselor is an interesting, energetic, and bright young. Shake their hand, introduce yourself, and ask a few
friendly questions!
11. KEEP DROP-OFF SHORT AND SWEET – Counselors have been well-trained to take it from the point you say your goodbyes. Long, drawn-out goodbyes often make kids feel anxious. Through camp, kids can reconnect with nature, develop life-long friendships, conquer fears, challenge themselves, and grow confidence. It’s a great experience for the entire family!
We want all our campers to be successful. When we work alongside parents and have parental support, we can help our campers be successful and happy.
