Summer Camp Preparation

Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means: summer camp! Maybe this will be the first year that your child goes to a sleepaway camp, and it’s the first time you’ve been separated this long, or maybe it’s the fifth year in a row that your child goes to her favorite camp for a week. Whether you’re an experienced summer camp parent or feeling like a rookie, these tips can help you prepare.Don’t Over PackPacking basic necessities is obviously important, but don’t encourage your child to pack his whole room! Not only will he feel tired from carrying around a heavy suitcase, but the more he brings, the less likely it is he’ll be able to keep track of everything to bring it home. Limit him to a few extra outfits in case he gets wet or dirty, a deck of cards or a small game to play with his cabin mates, and an extra pack of band-aids or bug spray.Distract YourselfAs parents, it can be hard to let go and trust that your child is doing fine without you. Her growing independence is a bittersweet necessity; remember, you want to raise a confident, independent child! Don’t torture yourself further by constantly trying to check up on her. Many camps will actually limit forms of parent-child communication because it only makes the child’s homesickness worse. Instead, write her a letter or two that says how proud you are and how excited you are to hear all about camp. Take this opportunity to do fun things you don’t have time to do when the children are home!Plan Ahead While PackingHelp your child stay organized by separating out outfits for him, bagging clothes together, and labeling each one! His counselor will appreciate this extra step of preparation. It is also smart to pack shower supplies inside of a Ziploc or waterproof bag; this way, if anything explodes in his bag, it will not ruin his clothes! It also makes it easier for your child to cart his belongings to and from the shower. Extra towels, socks, hair ties, and underwear are helpful as well. Understand That Their Attitude Might ChangeIt can be difficult not to promise your child that you’ll bring her home if she doesn’t like the experience, but if you don’t put the idea in her head that you’re only a phone call away from rescuing her, she’ll focus on integrating into camp life and enjoying herself. Encourage her to try it for the whole week, and remind her how lucky the other campers are to have her as a friend!In the end, camp can be an adjustment for children and parents alike, but after all is said and done, if you’ve prepared well, you will all be grateful for the experience!Lakeland private schools proclaim the Gospel message within an academic environment of excellence that challenges students to be creative and critical thinkers. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us at 407-246-4800.