Tips for Parents of First-time Campers
June 28, 2010
Jen Clink, CJG Executive Director
Check out these tips. Help make your camper's first summer away at camp a dream come true.
A few things you should know...
Practice Makes Perfect:
If your child hasn’t spent anytime away from home do a few practice runs at a family member or friend’s house.
Be Positive:
Deals with your child such as, if you’re unhappy I’ll come and pick you up, may feel reassuring to the parent but they make the camper believe you don’t have confidence that he/she will make it through the week. Instead give them positive encouragement. Tell them that you know they will enjoy trying new things at camp and meeting new friends. Also reassure them that if they have any problems during the week or need anything to talk with one of their counselors or a camp staff. Comments like, “I’ll miss you but I’m really proud of you.” go a long way toward building self esteem and encouragement.
LABEL EVERYTHING:
I can’t stress this one enough. Camp staff works diligently to make sure campers have all of their belongings before leaving but inevitably things are left behind. Most commonly left items are towels, t-shirts and swimming clothes. DON’T purchase new clothes for camp. Pack old clothes that you don’t mind getting ruined or go to a thrift store and purchase a few used items for the week. Camp is all about being outside and campers will get their clothes and shoes dirty. Don’t let your camper talk you into purchasing new clothes or shoes for camp. They won’t need them.
Letters for home:
Have stamps and self addressed envelopes ready and send them with your camper so they can write home. Trust me in the age of the internet you will love receiving a letter in your child’s handwriting!
Exercise:
If your child typically spends most of their time indoors on the computer or playing with video games make sure they spend some times in the weeks leading up to camp outside and being active.
Accreditation:
Make sure the camp is accredited. The American Camping Association, ACA, is a nationally recognized association. Visit the camp before registering if possible.
Educate yourself and your child:
Read through the parent hand book or information guide carefully and go through it with your child so they understand more about camp before they arrive. Our camp has a section in the paperwork called Ground Rules that you should read over with your child. More knowledge equals more comfort.
References:
Talk to other parents. You’ll often find they have similar concerns to yours. We have parent references that would be happy to answer any questions you may have and share their experiences with you.
Written by Jen Clink, Executive Director,
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