How To Prepare Your Child For The First Overnight Experience

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HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD
FOR THE FIRST OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE
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• Going to camp is a rite of passage that will spur
  your childs independence.

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• While you know that they are in for some exciting
  times ahead, it is normal for a child to be
  apprehensive about their first night away from
  home.

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• New faces, unfamiliar cabins and being away from
  mom and dad can all seem terrifying to a
  first-time camper.

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• Yet within only a matter of hours after arrival
  most campers are quickly adjusted and making new
  friends.

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• As you wait for the big day to arrive, use these
  strategies to help your little camper prepare for
  their first overnight experience.

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HELP THEM FIND COPING STRATEGIES
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• It is important to be honest with your child that
  some homesickness is normal, yet make sure they
  know that it is temporary and quickly relieved by
  getting involved in an activity.

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• Although the staff packs the day with fun-filled
  activities to keep campers minds off of home,
  there will be some free time that your child may
  need to fill.

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• Journaling, taking photos or talking to a
  bunkmate are all strategies your child can use to
  feel better.

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TALK ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT
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• Spend a few minutes with your child perusing the
  camp website and take a virtual tour by using the
  interactive map.

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• As you do so, talk to your child about some of
  the pictures you see of campers engaged in
  fun-filled activities.

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• Journaling, taking photos or talking to a
  bunkmate are all strategies your child can use to
  feel better.

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• Then, practice role-playing any situations that
  your child seems nervous about such as
  introducing themselves to new friends.

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MAKE A CAMPFIRE BLANKET
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• At camp, gathering around the campfire is an
  opportunity to enjoy camaraderie while enjoying
  some of the best camping traditions such as
  singing songs and
• roasting marshmallows.

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• Since this is one of the most treasured
  activities for campers, making a campfire blanket
  can get your child excited.

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• Once their blanket is made, encourage them to
  decorate it with patches and appliques to show
  off their unique style.

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PLAN A PRACTICE OVERNIGHT STAY
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• Many children have never before stayed a night
  away from home and a short overnight stay with a
  family member or friend can give them confidence.

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• Just make sure to arrange for them to stay with
  someone outside of their comfortable family
  structure.

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• Try not to call while they are gone and avoid
  picking them up if they call in the middle of the
  night.

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• When they get home, talk about how it went and
  use this information to work on any areas where
  they could use their coping strategies.

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• As the day for heading off to camp nears, it is
  common for new campers to experience some
  nervousness mixed with their excitement.

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• Remember to keep your language positive and
  remind your child that you cannot wait to hear
  about their adventures.

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• Make sure to send a letter ahead of time, so that
  it will be waiting for your childs arrival, and
  then enjoy knowing that they are in for the
  experience of their lifetime.

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• Canadian Adventure Camp is a coed overnight
  summer camp for kids located on a beautiful
  private island in the Wilderness Lakes region of
  Temagami.

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• Founded in 1975, it provides acclaimed programs
  to children from around the world!

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• Visit site http//www.canadianadventurecamp.com/

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• Canadian Adventure Camp
• 15 Idleswift DriveThornhill,
• Ontario, L4J 1K9 Canadainfo_at_canadianadventurecamp.
  com