Photography and illustration by Bryan Rollins
Summer camp is a time-honored tradition, rich with activities, newfound friendships and a lifetime of memories. Explore a few ways to make your child's camp experience smooth sailing from start to finish.
S'more Than Just Fun
According to the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research organization, children who participate in summer programs, like experiential learning activities offered in an organized camp, are less likely to experience a significant summer learning slide.
Camp also enhances a child's physical and emotional well-being. Activities build social skills, teamwork, and independence, which all contribute to stronger self-confidence and leadership abilities.
"I often hear from parents how amazed they are when their children return home after spending time at camp… about how they seem older and more mature," says Doug Berkel, a YMCA senior program director of youth development services.
Avoid Camp Run-Amok
First, together with your child, decide what skills you want your child to gain and choose a camp that fits her needs and interests, as well as your family's values.
Check out safety guidelines in the camp's parent handbook. Look for overnight camps accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). "ACA standards are the most universal and well-known standards adopted by most camps to ensure a quality and safe program," Berkel says.
Day and specialty camps should carry a current state childcare license. Additionally, staff should be trained in emergency, communication, and safety procedures, behavior management techniques (including handling the common bout of homesickness), and child abuse prevention.
Camp Sunshine
Day camps are a practical way to introduce children ages 5 to 12 to the camp experience. Most center on a theme, like sports, science, nature, technology, and the arts.
Ann Bowley says that when her stepson Trevor was younger, he enjoyed planning out the day camps he wanted to attend each summer. However, as her son got older he grew more apprehensive about starting over with a new group of kids each week.
"We talked to him about it and he never changed his plans. We just looked for school mates that might be in camp with him to help him be more comfortable," she says.
Camp Ability
Specialty camps center around one activity, like music, art, sports, or science. These camps provide children the space to further explore and develop a skill that interests them.
"Specialty camps tend to run partial days and could be a nice addition to regular day camps," Berkel says.
Camp Starlight
Overnight camps, typically in an outdoor setting, can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks and are generally offered for children ages 7 and up. If you aren't sure your child is ready, allow him to spend the night at friends' houses occasionally. Or, as Berkel suggests, take advantage of a weekend family camping opportunity, usually offered in the spring and fall, to familiarize campers and their families with the facilities and staff.
Conquer Camp Blues
Preparation and an awareness of what to expect can ease the transition from home to camp. Before your child departs, go over a list of everything she will need. Pack a physical connection to home, like a favorite sleeping bag, stuffed animal, or pillow.
Also, mail a card ahead of time to ensure it arrives before the end of camp. Tell your child how you look forward to hearing her camp stories but avoid saying how much you miss her, which can trigger homesickness and worry.
Fourteen-year veteran Boy Scout leader, soccer coach, and father of eight, John Whiteside, is a camping pro. Over the years, he and his children have participated in multiple camps, including sports, band, and week-long scout camps.
Initial nervousness isn't unusual. If your child asks to come home, Whiteside says to consider the situation but to encourage him to discuss his anxieties with the camp counselor and take it one day at a time. "Tell him, 'Yes, today was hard, but I think it will be better tomorrow,' and usually tomorrow is better," he says.
While your child may struggle at first, chances are he'll come home a happy camper with a heightened sense of self-confidence, memorable stories, and a passel of new friends to boot.