Camp is a good and intense experience for children to advance their cognitive and social skills and spread their own wings. While at the camp, children will be given new routines different from what they do in school or at home and they will get to meet new friends. That should be exciting enough for them to anticipate the experience.
But that is not the case for some kids. That is why you need to prepare child for summer camp. Not just with the packing but you should also be there to help them face their jitters of going without you.
How to Prepare Child for Summer Camp
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Talk about in advance. Tell them about your own camp experiences that would make them excited or find a book about it that you can read with your kids.
Include them in the decision-making process. Another way to prepare child for summer camp is to include them in evaluating camp options. Look for their friends who want to go to the same camp with your child.
Settle anxiety by focusing on the positive. Bring out the child’s excitement about the camp by showing them pictures at the camp’s website and telling them about the fun activities they will get to do.
Practice separation through sleepovers and play dates. Train your child to not be anxious about them being separated from you by letting them play out of the house or a friend’s house.
Pack a few of their favorite items from home. Letting your child bring along with them a stuffed toy or a picture from your home will make them feel comfortable and avoid.
Give them protection against the harmful effects of the sun. Have them bring sunblock and hat. Teach them how to apply it on their body themselves.
Inform the camp director of your child’s medical concerns. Tell also your kids that they can approach their camp director for health or any other concerns. Like for example if the kid has asthma, he or she should tell the coordinator.
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Consider getting a health certificate first. A physical exam before going to camp will assure you and the camp that your child is capable of completing the course. Or find a specific camp that will accommodate your child’s health conditions such as chronic asthma and other severe ailments.
Let your child pack a lot of water. If it’s a sports camp your child is attending, let the child bring enough water to keep them hydrated. Two to three liters of water for a whole day would suffice.
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Remind not to share personal things. Sharing of things such as hair brush or hats will expose your child to lice infestation. In case they get lice, you can get rid of it by using a lice shampoo and lice comb.
Joining summer camp is one of the most productive things your child can do. To prepare child for summer camp, follow these simple summer camp tips. It will help your kids enjoy, have fun, make friends, and make memories while learning relevant skills at summer camp.
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