One of the best things we can do for our children is to let them spread their wings and experience the world a bit without us by their side. Sleepaway camp is the perfect summer activity for children to help them become more independent, build confidence, challenge themselves, learn new skills, and meet new people. Time away from home can broaden their perspective and lead them to discover who they are and what they want to become.
That first time heading off to sleepaway camp, however, can be intimidating and nerve-wracking for some children. They might feel homesick, experience separation anxiety, or struggle with meeting new friends or adapting to a new environment and schedule. Here are some tips to help you prepare your kids to make the transition from home to camp as smooth as possible.
Involve Them When Choosing a Camp
Dictating what camp your children attend and for how long can end up backfiring. Instead, get your kids involved early on when shopping around for a camp so they gradually become more comfortable with it. Look at camp websites and brochures together; bring them with you to tour different camps; and let them be part of conversations with camp staff, current campers, and parents of campers who you connect with during the research process. Some camps even offer a special weekend for kids to try out the camp before registering for the following season.
Encourage Independence at Home
One of the biggest adjustments of sleepaway camp is kids not having mom and dad around to do everything for them. Start building their independence by getting them more involved at home, such as picking out their own clothes, making their bed, organizing their room, cleaning up after a meal, and learning basic hygiene so they can do these activities on their own at camp. It is also helpful for them to have some sleepover trial runs so they can get used to sleeping in other places and build more independence.
Talk to Them about What Camp Will be Like
In the months building up to the first day of camp, casually add camp to the conversation with your kids. At bedtime, set the scene for how fun it will be to have a sleepover with several friends that lasts weeks. Review the list of activities and ask what they are excited to try. Look at the camp’s social media posts from previous summers to show your kids what to expect. If you attended sleepaway camp or had a similar experience like living in a college dorm, share stories with your kids about what it was like.
Attend Orientation
Even if your child has already seen the camp in-person during a tour, it’s critical that you attend the orientation as a family, recommends Jenny Grogan, one of the camp directors at Farm Camp in Cazadero, CA, a traditional overnight summer camp for campers ages 7-17 on a real working ranch.
“We do a new camper orientation before the summer starts and then post it on our website, so even if you can’t attend, you can still see what questions were asked and get a general overview.” When kids can see what the camp is like and get used to it in advance, it can help reduce their anxiety about the first day. It’s also a way for your child to meet some of the staff and other campers, possibly making some friends before camp even starts. Don’t be shy about asking questions during the orientation.
Ask Them to Share Their Concerns
If your kids are nervous, that’s okay. Just make sure the lines of communication are open so they express how they are feeling. By discussing their fears with you early on, you can talk through it and provide reassurance. Let them know that it’s normal to miss home but that camp will also be full of fun and new adventures. Reinforce the idea that camp is a safe place where they can grow and learn new things.
Grogan suggests focusing on a goal or purpose for them while they are at camp. “I always think that having a goal or a purpose in mind, like what are their hopes for going to camp, is helpful,” she says. “Because during those challenging moments, they are going to be able to think back to that goal.” She also highly recommends filling out the paperwork for your camper so the staff is aware of what might be an issue or concern for your child while away at camp.
Teach Coping Skills
In addition to talking about their worries, it’s helpful to provide them with a few tools to help them cope when they are struggling. “Pack postcards in their suitcase so they can write you letters whenever they are missing you or a weighted blanket to sit and hang out with,” says Grogan.
Other helpful coping skills include breathing exercises, meditating, taking a walk, reading a favorite book, writing in a journal, using self-talk, listening to relaxing or upbeat music, and talking to a friend or counselor. Finally, be sure to identify a point person that your child can seek out when feeling uneasy, whether that be a counselor, camp director, or an older camper that you know from home.
Pack Together
The more your campers are involved, the more prepared and in control they will feel. Plus, it will help them get excited to start camp. Bring them along to shop for camp supplies and let them pick out their favorite items to take with them for the summer. Don’t pack their bag for them; instead, encourage them to help go through the packing checklist with you. This can be a fun activity, especially if they have some say in what they get to pack. Including their favorite comfort items in the trunk can also help ease their worries.
Walk Through What Will Happen at Drop-off
As the first day of camp approaches, take the time to discuss exactly what will happen when you drop them off at the bus stop or at the camp itself. Some kids board a bus in their local area and then travel for a few hours to camp, so it’s important they know how it will all work. Don’t hesitate to call the camp to explain the details about drop-off and the first day so you can describe everything to your kids ahead of time. When that day finally arrives, try to keep your goodbyes brief and avoid becoming too emotional (wear sunglasses to hide your tears if you have to) to avoid upsetting your kids. If they see that you are upset, they may feel guilty or scared about leaving.
By following these helpful tips, both you and your children are sure to have a less stressful experience as they embark on their first trip to sleepaway camp.
