Summer camp is right around the corner! As a parent, your child is about to be away from home for two, four, or even eight weeks! Maybe you are excited about the upcoming summer, or if it’s a completely new experience, you may feel anxious and nervous. For you and your kid, these are all completely valid feelings! In the weeks leading up to the start of camp, here is a list of ten tips to best prepare your kid (and yourself!) for the upcoming summer adventure!
1. Review the packing list
Summer camps will typically provide you with a packing list. Double (or triple) check to make sure all items are packed and be wary about overpacking – if you have packed according to the list, then your camper will absolutely have enough things for the summer! For another tip, involve your child in the packing process. They will have a better understanding of their belongings and will have more responsibility in keeping track of their things while away.
2. Label everything
There are many kids enrolled in summer camps, and at Chippewa there could be up to seven other kids in their cabin (not counting the two counselors). As laid out in the packing list, labeling everything will help ensure nothing gets lost throughout the session.
3. Forms & medications
If you haven’t already, make sure all forms are sent to camp ASAP! For your kid’s medications, make sure to follow your camp’s guidelines as to how to get these to camp. You should be able to find this online, but if you can’t, contact the camp directly to find the most up-to-date information regarding medications. For Camp Chippewa, please consult the Healthcare & Medication section on page five of the Parent Handbook.
4. Write a first-day letter
For a new camper, the first few days at camp can be tough. Having anxiety about leaving home for a long period of time, missing familial comforts, and worrying about fitting in and meeting new friends can all contribute to homesickness and apprehension. A small thing you can do is write a letter ahead of time so that your kid has mail during the first few days of camp. Many campers can attest that one of the best feelings is receiving mail and hearing from friends and family throughout the summer, so writing an encouraging letter can go a long way in relieving some of these “first day jitters.”
5. Prepare letter writing materials
In addition to sending letters to your child at camp, they will be writing letters to you, which can help them express their feelings about camp and tell you all about the exciting things that are happening! A pro tip is to prepare all letter writing materials ahead of time. Pre-address and pre-stamp a bunch of envelopes, so that your child can easily write a letter home and get it in the camp mailbox.
6. Prepare for a tech-free summer
Many summer camps are technology free (Camp Chippewa included). If your child has a phone, has a computer, or has various gaming systems, make sure to talk to them about why this tech-free experience will be beneficial. If possible, start weaning them off screens in the weeks leading up to the first day of camp to better prepare them for an extended technology detox!
7. Pack a few ‘comfort items’
We just talked about not overpacking, but this is different. We all want summer camp to feel like a second home to each and every camper, so packing something like a favorite stuffed animal or a favorite bedtime book can absolutely help your child feel more comfortable.
8. Prepare a carry-on bag for travel
Especially if your child is flying as an unaccompanied minor to camp, make sure to prepare their carry-on bag the night before. Including books and maybe even some toys/games can help them be entertained during their flight (and also in Chippewa’s case, a four-hour bus ride from the airport to the camp).
9. Plan a send-off tradition
Going to summer camp can be a big, new, and daunting experience for a kid. Coming up with a fun tradition the day before camp can help turn the departure from a stressful one into a special one. Maybe you go to your child’s favorite restaurant, or go to an amusement park, or make a super special breakfast before their flight. Either way, this can turn into something your child looks forward to every summer!
10. Take a breath. Stay positive!
Your child will match your energy around the upcoming summer camp experience. Even if you feel nervous and anxious (which is perfectly normal), try to trust that camp will be beneficial for your child and remain positive. Continually remind them that they are going to have such a great time and have so much fun! This will help them get more excited for the summer.
