Making sure your child has a great experience at summer camp is a priority whether it is his first time or fifth time. The key is to find out what your child wants to do, give him options and let him have a voice in the process.
Making Learning Fun
Camp can be an excellent way to make learning fun. “It is an educational opportunity and chance for kids to grow and hone their craft whether it is ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theater, cheer, hip-hop or acrobatics and to meet students from other areas,” said Laura Jesselnick, co-owner of Dance Center Summer Camps. When you as a parent speak fondly of camp, your child will pick up on it. “Have an excited and positive attitude at home and instill it in him because sometimes the child can experience anxiousness about meeting new people and trying new things,” said Jesselnick.
Dr. Mike Gibbs, CEO of Camp Biz Smart says “Summer camp is a real chance to try out new skills, make interesting friends and gain the confidence that anything is possible.”
Summer camps help children to learn social skills, encourage personal growth by exposing them to new adventures and situations and let them unplug not only from screen time but also the rigor of everyday school life.
According to Kristin Templeman, Communications Director at All Saints’ School, the benefits of camp are a bit different for preschoolers. “Play is fundamental. Summer camps can give children an easier transition to school by introducing them to a schedule, group learning, and interacting with children from different backgrounds.”
Discuss the Options
If your child is unsure about whether camp is a good idea, talk it out. “Camp is part of a maturing and learning process and you want him to recognize that new does not need to cause anxiousness or be scary, but you can validate those feelings,” said Jesselnick.
It’s OK to be a little nervous
Having mixed emotions is normal but focus on what he will gain. Some of the best camp experiences involve finding things your child has not tried before. Specialized camps can foster some lifelong skills such as a camp focused on theater can help with public speaking and self-esteem. “A mother said that last year her child was nervous, could not look up and was terrified of the experience when she had to give an oral presentation but after theater camp her head was up, she projected her voice, and she was so grateful,” said Gail Higginbotham, artistic director at ARIEL Theatrical Summer Camp.
Verbal skills can reach a whole new level after getting involved with the performing arts. “The arts are a wonderful venue for the child’s music, movement and exploring different ways of communicating as you are enabling him with the tools for self-expression in a positive way,” said Jesselnick. Camp should make your child feel good about himself. “Children learn team-building, self-confidence and how to be the best versions of themselves,” said Jesselnick. It is a prime opportunity for growth.
Offer lots of encouragement
The best thing you can do is be encouraging. “Have your child bring a good attitude and realize that you have to practice and be focused, but those are skills you need in school, in a job, or anywhere you go in life,” said Higginbotham. Make sure your child knows he is unique and do not compare him to others.
Encourage a positive attitude
Encourage your child to be optimistic about the summer experience to come. Gibbs says: “A campers experience will be most memorable when they come with the zest and readiness to learn, a sense of determination, and a can-do optimistic spirit. When they do that, great things will happen!!”
According to camp director Andy Pritikin (writing in an article on The American Camp Association website at www.acacamps.org) ”Camp is like a vitamin supplement containing the vital things our kids’ lives are missing: Face-to-face interactions, collaborating together in groups, and navigating the ups and downs of relationships. It’s also a place where kind, caring people other than parents help teach them the skills of life like making friendships, using integrity, self-regulation and independence.
Jamie Lober, author of Pink Power (www.getpinkpower.com), can be reached at jamie@getpinkpower.com.