Does sending your introverted child to summer camp seem like an insurmountable task? Don’t count it out so quickly! With preparation and care, it is possible. There will probably be worries attached to this decision to send them, but there is so much benefit to be gained from a camp experience if it’s the right fit. Read on for ways to avoid big issues during this rite-of-passage.
Find a Good Fit
First things first–do your research. Finding the right fit is key to your child enjoying camp. There are so many unique options in our local area. Your quiet, book-loving kid may not do well at a high-energy, sports-centered camp. And sleepaway camp might not be the best first exposure to camp. A smaller, nurturing environment may be best for your child–or a camp that is centered around one of their passions. Less competitive camps will probably appeal to a true introvert.
Prepare Them Well
The more preparation you can provide your child, the better the outcome. Most introverted people appreciate facts and details about new experiences. Walking into a new place is scary, especially when you don’t know anyone. If a friend or acquaintance is attending the same camp, start by telling your child this. Having a familiar face at camp can make a world of difference. If you are sending your introvert to day camp, start by reassuring them you will pick them up at the appointed time. Next, check out the camp website together and watch videos or read up on the activities and testimonials. This is the time to get your kiddo excited about all the fun activities they can participate in at camp.
Advocate for Your Kiddos
If you suspect your child will have a hard time adjusting, speak up and let the directors or counselors know. This is not “helicopter parenting”–it’s being an advocate for your kid. You can also teach your child to advocate for themselves. This may be difficult for introverted people, but it is a skill and attribute that we all need in a world full of societal pressures.
Nudge Them Out of Comfort Zones
Don’t push them out of their comfort zones–just nudge them. If sleepaway camp is not an option for a first-time camper, start with a day camp. Summer at Santa Catalina, local to Monterey, is a place that offers day and sleepaway camps. Director of Summer, Ange Atkinson said that if you do send your camper to stay overnight, “Everything we do has a structure that thoughtfully encourages our campers to connect with each other while leaving space for them to make their own choices, make mistakes in a safe environment, and navigate friendship dynamics. For example, on the first night of camp, campers spend time in bunk groups doing crafts and playing games. Campers that feel shy can easily participate by crafting or choosing to talk to their new roommate; this helps them build up their confidence and comfort level to make even more connections.” Sometimes getting out of our comfort zones is the best way to get to know ourselves, and Atkinson has proof of that at Santa Catalina. “Camp is a wonderful space for young people of all temperaments, introverted or extroverted, to make new friends. Often we see shy campers leave camp with a whole group of friends. They learn that maybe they are not actually shy, but rather they thrive in a space away from the pressures of school social dynamics.”
Be Empathetic
These past two years have been exponentially difficult for young people. Be patient and find empathy when they get homesick or have a breakdown. Keep encouraging them to do hard things, but be a safe place for them to land. Share stories of when you had to do something that was difficult or out of your comfort zone and how you grew as a person. And let them know that no matter how camp goes, you will be there for them when they return, with open arms and listening ears.
Sending your introverted child to camp can cause stress for both you and your child. Here are six tips to help them integrate, interact with others, and make the most of their summer.
– Billy Swift Director of Student Support at Chartwell School
- Touring the facility prior to the start of the session. Being able to physically see the space reduces anxiety. This even includes driving the route from home to the facility so they know what it will feel like.
Get a schedule ahead of time and create a visual schedule for the week. The visual schedule can have both words and images to represent what they will do. To go a step further, you can add in getting ready for and going through routines.
Network by meeting other parents, in person or asking for emails (directory), to connect your child to other children they get along with or have similar interests.
Make sure your child is doing something they see value in. Although summer can be a time to build up skills or explore an area of hesitancy (or work on mastering a craft), the child should have buy-in.
Remember that a parent’s mood can affect a child’s mood. Parents should model the behavior they wish to see in their child. Set the tone by trying not to be rushed in the morning. Play music the child wants to hear on the ride to the summer activity.
Transitions and times of change can be difficult. We often will have our person self-talk. Try narrating your thoughts aloud or talking about them with a partner or your child, to normalize the feelings and the coping strategies and tools you use.
Nadia Morgan is an East Coast native who now feels truly at home on the West Coast. She has a degree in writing. A military wife of 20 years, Nadia is Editorial Assistant for Monterey Bay Parent Magazine. You can reach her by email at editorial@montereybayparent.com
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