Getting your child ready for a positive camp experience can be daunting, whether it is his first time going away or his third summer. Something as simple as giving him a voice as to what kind of camp he attends can put him at ease.
“Parents have many options based on interests, fees, and hours, so you can identify the ones that meet your needs and let your child look at brochures and camp guides to help choose their summer experience,” says Kirsten Gray, vice president of youth development at YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South.
Once you have identified what piques your child’s interest, the selection process will be quicker. The options are endless. Christina Dembiec, director of education at the Memphis Zoo Camp, says, “We have specialty camps themed around our Lego exhibit and talk about the interconnectedness of ourselves and our planets and how we all have a role and are connected here.”
Check out the camp ahead of time. Some camps have open houses or opportunities to meet the staff, see the site, and take part in activities. It is helpful when your child knows what to expect. The best camps allow your child to learn and have fun at the same time. At Zoo Camp, for example, “He will leave with a respect for living things and hopefully a greater understanding and appreciation of his connection to wildlife and wild places,” says Dembiec.
Engaging experiences are the best. “Kids are interested in hands-on activities and performances like talent shows, whether it is singing, dancing, magic, or playing a musical instrument,” says Andrea Ballard, campus director at St. George’s Independent School, which offers summer programs. Most importantly, you want to familiarize yourself with the camp’s philosophy.
Be mindful that every child grows and develops at his own rate. “You need to assess your child’s readiness to be separated from you for a period of time,” says Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of the American Camp Association (ACA). “So if it is overnight, part of that is practicing with sleepovers at friend’s houses or staying with family members occasionally.” Reinforce that even camp directors or counselors may be homesick at the beginning, and that is normal. Even though camp is a great opportunity, timing is everything.
Make sure your child has packed appropriately. “Each camp has items that are required, such as sunscreen, swimsuits, and towels,” says YMCA’s Gray, “but also check for items that are not permitted, such as personal electronics, and talk in advance with your child about why these items must stay at home.”
If it is permitted, send your child with a camera so he can capture memories. At the zoo, “The kids’ favorite part is when they get to meet animals up close and personal as they enjoy the joy of discovery,” says Dembiec.
Every camp has its own mission and benefits. Antonio Perez, director of youth basketball programming for the Grizzlies Basketball Camp, says, “Fun and basketball instruction is a primary focus, but we want kids to learn about teamwork, leadership, having a good attitude, and respect, so it is a comprehensive experience.” At sports camps like the Grizzlies Basketball Camp, kids appreciate the exposure to local talent, awards, and autographs.
“Camp is an opportunity to explore activities you do not always get to do during the school year, and you can learn what you love to do and also what you are good at doing,” says St. George’s Ballard. If you are unsure if camp is right for your child, view it as an alternative to screen time and a key to academic success. “Continued learning helps reinforce reading, math, and problem-solving, so we do not have as much learning loss over the summer,” Ballard says.
Think about what it will do on a personal level. “For some kids, camp builds self-confidence and a sense of belonging, opportunities for leadership, and a chance to figure out what they are passionate or curious about,” says Ballard. Sometimes a child may find a new interest that he can pursue during the school year or even a future career. “One piece of camp is entrepreneurship — we had one group last year decide they were going to open a restaurant and spent the week planning the menu, researching the recipes, and creating the signs,” she adds. It can be exciting to watch your child’s creativity unfold as he becomes a prospective business owner.
Set an example by having a positive mindset, and realized that camp is a new and healthy risk. “Encourage your child to try something new for a short amount of time to see if he likes it,” says Ballard. “If you have concerns or your child has expressed concerns, communicate that to the teacher or director so they can navigate it and support your child as needed so his experience is positive.” A common question is how you can communicate with the camp or your child, so be sure to ask questions.
Ready, get set, go! “Create a fun countdown for your kid to his first day of camp and talk to him about the exciting experiences he will have and the friendships he will make,” says YMCA’s Gray.
There is no place like camp. “Camp is an extraordinary place where kids can unplug, leave phones at home, and have a human-powered community in a super immersive way,” says ACA’s Rosenberg.
When your child knows what to expect, and he sees you have a good attitude about camp, it will be contagious. Grizzlies Camp’s Perez adds, “Parents like how camp uplifts their kids to make them feel good and special.”
Jamie Lober, author of Pink Power (getpinkpower.com), is dedicated to providing information on women’s and pediatric health topics.