You’re looking for the perfect day camp for your little artist, swimmer or scientist, but you’re worried because camp is unfamiliar territory. Help prepare your child for what’s ahead with these tips to make their first camp experience a positive one.
The Basics
- Children should memorize full name, address and a parent’s cell phone number before camp begins.
- Many day camps require closed-toe shoes and many activities need kids to get shoes on and off quickly, Practice tying shoelaces; if your child hasn’t mastered this skill before camp starts, consider a pair of Velcro shoes. Even then, do trial runs until they master getting shoes on and off in a timely manner. Practice makes perfect!
- Children should be able to zip their own jackets and pants (or wear ones that pull on). Teach them to tie a jacket around their waist, if necessary.
Make Lunch Stress-free
- Packaging often poses a problem for little fingers. Practice opening wrappers and containers at home. Don’t assume camp staff will have time to assist everyone at lunchtime.
- One in 13 children has a food allergy; it’s likely that someone at camp will, too. Swapping snacks sounds like fun, but it’s not safe for many kids. Cross-contamination can pose a big problem for kids allergic to nuts or gluten. Teach children not to share food and to respect other people’s space by not touching their lunchbox and food.
- Stop yourself the next time you start to clean up after your kids. Teach children how to sort trash from recyclables, throw items in proper bins, and most importantly, not to expect adults to clean up after them. Part of being a successful, happy camper is to help out and do his part.
- For half-day camp, apply sunscreen before leaving; children who attend full-day camp should know how and when to reapply.
Social Skill Essentials
For many first-time campers, enrolling with a buddy helps ease jitters. But it’s important to gain the confidence and skills to make new friends. Review and role-play skills that show openness to making friends:
- Practice how to greet someone new. Make eye contact and smile.
- When someone says “hi”, teach your child to reply, even if he feels shy. Not responding may be misconstrued that he doesn’t want to be friends.
- Remind children to take turns.
- Discuss the idea that not everyone has to be friends-especially if your child is a people pleaser.
Be Assertive
- Children should know how (and be willing) to ask for help when needed. If they have a special need, let camp know ahead of time.
- Have kids practice asking for what they want (politely). Manners go a long way. You’ve taught your child “please” and “thank you” since they were knee high-be sure they say these all-important phrases without your cue.
- Practice simple, direct responses to communicate dissatisfaction when necessary, such as “I don’t like that. Don’t do it again.” If an annoying behavior continues from another child, ask a camp counselor for help.
Cherie Gough is a writer and mom of two who enjoys the enrichment camp brings to her kids’ summer. Find her on IG @cgoughwrites.
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