Tips on Preparing Your Child for the First Summer at Sleepaway Camp

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Tips on Preparing Your Child for the First Summer
at Sleepaway Camp
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Its exciting and a little scary your child is
taking that big step, the first summer at
sleepaway camp. Whether your youngster is
following friends or siblings to camp or striking
out bravely on his own, there are a few things
you can do to make the transition easier for your
child and for you.
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Have a Trial-Run Sleepover
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If your youngster had limited experience with
staying away from home overnight, have him spend
the night with a relative or friend he hasnt
stayed with before, and dont go and get him in
the middle of the night! A new sleepover
experience will be a little like the first night
at camp and will help you address any issues that
may arise.
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If your family is from the city, an overnight
camping trip can get him used to unfamiliar
things in the outdoor environment like wildlife,
bugs and nighttime sounds in the woods.
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Go to Open House
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If possible, attend an open house at your childs
camp while the camp is in session. Your child
will get a better idea of what to expect and can
become somewhat familiar with the facilities,
what the atmosphere is like and what would be
happening on a typical day.
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Go Shopping
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Your childs camp will likely send along a list
of necessities and optional items, so bring your
youngster along on a cool camp shopping spree.
Although most camps encourage older t-shirts,
sweatshirts and shorts that can withstand lots of
outdoor adventures, its fun to get one or two
new items or splurge on one in bit of clothing
or accessory.
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Explain About Sharing Space
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Many kids these days have never had to share a
bedroom, so living in close quarters with eight
other campers can be a bit overwhelming. In fact,
one of the challenges of summer camp counselor
jobs is teaching kids to cohabit in a relatively
small space.
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Provide some pointers on keeping organized and
not infringing on cabin-mates space. Try
throwing a slumber party for your child before
camp starts or letting him attend more overnight
get-togethers than usual to provide more exposure
to group living.
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Go Over the Basics
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Camp is great for teaching kids how to take care
of themselves. Go over the importance of
separating out clothes that need to be laundered,
hanging up wet clothes, bathing suits and towels
and keeping toiletries segregated in a bucket for
carrying to the bathroom.
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Let Your Child Know Its OK to Be Homesick
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Let your first-time camper know thats its
perfectly normal to be a little homesick, but
dont tell them youll come and get them if this
happens. The vast majority of youngsters overcome
an initial bout of homesickness fairly quickly,
and encouraging them to call and come home is
setting them up for failure.
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Instead, tell them to talk to their summer camp
counselors, who are well-versed in dealing with
this common first-time camper complaint. Staying
busy and active and seeking out new friends will
quickly push thoughts of home into the background.
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Discuss Communications
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Depending on the camp your youngster is
attending, phone calls may be prohibited or only
allowed at certain times of day. Letter writing
is a great way to stay in touch, so send your
camper off with a supply of stationery and
stamped, self-addressed envelopes.
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You can even write a letter in advance and slip
it into your childs suitcase or mail it in time
to get there as camp starts, just as a little
transitional item to remind him that though
youll miss him, youre excited for all the fun
and new experiences hell have at sleepaway
summer camp.
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If you're considering sending your child to an
overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site
to learn about Camp Walt Whitman.
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Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire,
Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing
environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our
camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate
areas for boys and girls.
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The kids have a blast, and make friendships that
can last a lifetime. www.campwalt.com
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Camp Walt Whitman 1000 Cape Moonshine
Rd Piermont, NH 03779 603-764-5521 cww_at_campwalt.co
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