Outdoor how to prepare your child for summer camp
Sending your child to camp for the first time can be somewhat nerve racking and stressful . Most children are excited to partake in a summer camp but some can be nervous or scared . It is important to prepare your child for camp in order for them to have the best experience possible . My first over night camp experience was when I was eight years old . I attended Camp Hurlbert in Vernon and after my initial trepidation wore off it was one of the most memorable and enjoyable times of my young life .
As an adult I have had the opportunity to coordinate summer camps for both the Boys and Girls Clubs and the YMCA . The benefits of these kinds of camps are often life changing . They foster independence in children and help them to build social skills that they will take with them into adulthood . Children build confidence and self worth , they try new things and meet new friends . They unplug from technology , become more physically active and develop a connection to nature and their surroundings .
Following a few simple steps and techniques will help both you and your child to have a wonderful summer camp experience .
• Be positive . Talk with your child about all of the benefits of camp .
• Include your child in the decision making process . Which camp should they attend ? What activities are they interested in ?
• Explore camp together . Visit the campground or review the website . Many summer camps have family days in the spring to give families an opportunity to visit and become more familiar with the camp .
• Discuss the daily routine at camp . What is to be expected of your child , the camper ? What is the routine like ? What activities will they be involved in ?
• Review the camp checklist together . Often camps will provide a checklist of recommended supplies to pack and bring . They might also offer a list of what not to bring . Be sure to go over these guidelines with your child .
• Practice time apart . If your child is attending an overnight camp for the first time have them spend a night or two at a friends house a few months in advance .
• Teach independence at home . Have your child follow their morning and bedtime routine on their own . Have them set the table , prepare a meal and wash dishes .
• Speak openly about feeling homesick . Reassure your child that this is a normal , natural feeling and determine what steps that they should take when they feel this way .
• Try to have a friend or acquaintance attend the same camp . As a first time camper , I know that I felt a lot better knowing that a friend was also there .
• Ask your child if they have any questions or concerns . Just talking it through with them may elevate any fear or anxiety that they may have .
Contributed by Heather Painchaud . Visit her online at www . twindragonflydesigns . com Okanagan4Kids . com Spring Break Guide | 2013 3