FIRST-TIME DAY CAMPER TIPS

by Janey Snyderman

Camps, camps, camps!

Seems everybody’s talking about summer camp programs for kids. But what if your little one has never gone before? He has questions. Fortunately, you can have the answers. Lots of local summer day camps have programs perfect for little ones. And even better news? When kids are allowed to go to camp they discover that being on your own isn’t so bad afterall … in fact … it’s fun!

Reassure your camper that camp is all about making new friends. While that may or may not make him nervous, counselors are trained to help bring kids together. You can also discuss sending your child to camp with a school friend so he already has a friend. Plenty of campers know each other from past summers or from school, but many come to camp in order to meet new friends. It’s nice to have winter friends and summer friends — other kids with whom your camper shares special experiences.

Counselors are selected because they love working with kids. In fact, counselors are one of the best parts of camp. They are trained before camp begins to help kids have a good time, make new friends, and enjoy a variety of activities. Their job is to help campers have fun, be safe, and know their limits. They spend a lot of time before camp learning to do all these things for campers. And they love to have fun, too.

There are lots of people at camp, including counselors, who help take care of campers, depending on what they need. Let your child know that there is a nurse or a doctor if they don’t feel well, and a special place, sometimes called a health center, to rest until they are better. Campers can count on the grownups that are at camp to help them with any problem they may have.allow them to conquer their fears, whether it be learning to swim in a lake, climb a ropes course, clean up spilled paint — whatever!

Remind your camper of other times in his life that were spent away from home — sleepovers, a weekend a grandma’s, or even class trips. There’s no pressure to be anything but yourself at camp! The main point is just to relax and have fun. Remember to stay excited and positive about the camp experience. Talking at length about how much you will miss your camper can increase his or her anxiety. BONUS: Send a familiar object, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, with your camper. Send a letter or card in advance for your child to have the first day of camp.

• Mark a visible calendar

After you and your child pick the camp to attend this summer, make sure your camper knows what day it starts — and mark it visibly on a wall calendar. That way, you can both keep track of how many days there are before it’s go time.

• Camp physicals

If your child is going to attend a sleep-away camp, he will need a physical from your pediatrician. Some day camps require this, too. Check with your camp to know what special care is given to any medications your child may require, etc.

• Empower your child’s independence

Before camp even begins, talk it up at home (find a good balance so you don’t over do it) and encourage your child’s ability to do things on his own. Like pack up his backpack with his daily needs. Or, if he’s going to sleep-away camp, being responsible for his belongings and personal hygiene.

• Visit the camp ahead of time

For both your peace of mind and that of your camper, try to visit so you can get a concrete picture of what camp life looks like. During your camp preview day, you can have all your questions answered, and you’ll likely see your child get excited about the fun attractions they see around them. If it isn’t possible to visit the camp before our child’s session, browse their website and social media pages together to get some extra insight.

• Keep conversations positive and calm

Don’t express concern or the issue of homesickness around your child, and remember to stay positive in conversations about packing. Your kid will pick up on any tension you show, which may translate into hostile thoughts about summer camp. Remember, no one is perfect and that even if you do forget to pack something, your kid will make it through — either by borrowing or purchasing at the camp facilities. They may even realize they didn’t need the forgotten item in the first place. Communicate a guilt-free, positive approach and teach your child that when it comes to being responsible, we are all still works in progress.

• Lean into separation

The camp you choose may have a no cell phone policy. If it does, be a good sport and trust that the camp directors know what they are doing. They have probably seen first-hand that campers are more likely to experience homesickness if Mom and Dad are easy to access.

Overall, follow the policies in place, and remember that a brief period of missing one another can work wonders for your family. Think about the meaningful conversations you will be able to have, the stories your camper will be eager to share and the ability to remind them later how much you missed them when they were away ... but that you were so happy they were having a great time!