Preparing Your Child for Sleep-Away Camp

Going away to overnight camp is a rite of passage for many kids. And while many children eagerly look forward to this time away from home each summer, other kids may find it to be emotionally overwhelming.

Making new friends and fitting in socially, being homesick and coping away from the support of Mom and Dad are typical concerns. Reassuring your child that their apprehensive thoughts are normal is a great place to start.

For kids who are planning on attending sleep-away camp for the first time there are some things you can do ahead of time to help prepare them to ensure they have a fun and enjoyable experience their first time away. The following are tips from FSG therapist, Kathy Livingston, LCSW:

Begin with practice sleepovers.

Choose a relative, family friend or your child’s best friend’s house to help your child adapt to being away from home at night. Many kids have never had to share a bedroom before and at camp will have to share a cabin with several other children. Consider planning a slumber party to expose them to how group living may feel.

Review the camp’s brochure or website.

Or even better yet, visit the camp itself. Fear of the unknown is terrifying for many first-time campers. Let them see what the camp looks like and where important things like the dining hall, bathrooms and bunks are all located. The more familiar your camper is with the setting and schedule the more he will know what to expect.

What if I start to miss Mom and Dad?

Make sure your child knows whom she can talk to if she’s feeling blue or homesick. Counselors are on hand to help kids with these normal feelings and many camps have a social worker on staff.

Get them involved in the packing.

Work off the list provided by the camp and make sure that clothes have been worn and washed and are comfortable. If your child is attached to a sentimental item, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, let them bring it along.

Teach your child how to handle clothes and toiletries.

Explain what to do with dirty laundry. Show them how to carry their toiletries to the bathroom in a basket. Keep toiletries and belongings simple and easy to use.

Meet other kids before camp.

If you know other kids in your area that are going to the camp, have a get together prior to camp. If you don’t know anyone ask the camp if there are kids going from neighboring communities and call them to meet them before camp starts. Having at least one familiar face in a sea of strangers can be incredibly comforting.

Connect through letters and care packages.

Write a letter ahead of time so there is a letter waiting for them when they arrive at camp. And always respond to their letters and send care packages in a timely manner, so that your child is never left waiting while children around them receive letters and packages. When packing, be sure to include stamps, stationery and envelopes for your child to use to keep in touch. And if email is an option, use it! Each camp will have its own communication guidelines and protocol.

Stay positive.

Despite feeling your own anxiety over the separation never discuss how much your child will be missed back home. Children take direction from their parents’ confidence, so you don’t want them to feel that you are anxious, too. Keep your conversations positive and express enthusiasm and confidence in you your child and excitement for them to experience a new environment and make new friends. Share your own experiences from camp if relevant.

While anxious now, your camper will likely be singing a different song and dance after their summer camp experience and come home with a new sense of independence.

Looking for more advice on helping your new camper adjust and feel at ease about their upcoming summer adventure? Kathy is happy to offer additional help and guidance. For more information, contact Kathy at kathy@familyserviceofglencoe.org or by calling 847-835-5111.