Getting Kids Ready for Summer Camp
Some children brim with excitement at the thought of camp while others groan and plead with parents to stay home. Parental responses also range considerably. Many parents are confident about their child’s ability to manage the transition while others are apprehensive. Choosing a camp, particularly a sleep-away camp, can be a challenging experience in itself. Whether your children will be attending a day camp or a sleep-away camp, they need help to prepare for the sudden change and to anticipate both positive and negative experiences.
While camp is chock-full of activities, it teaches kids a lot of emotional skills in addition to physical skills. Children have to navigate friendships, compromise, and overcome obstacles. They learn to become increasingly self-reliant, particularly when away from their parents for weeks at a time. If they live in a bunk, they must learn to tolerate different personalities, share space, and respect others’ space and belongings. They will likely have chores and other responsibilities. It’s good practice for dorm life! Many kids return from camp feeling more confident and capable. Some can’t wait for the following summer.
Is your child ready for sleep-away camp? There is no preset age for sending your child to camp. Some kids are ready at a very young age while others need more time. If your child has had successful sleepovers with friends and relatives and expresses an interest in going away, he will probably do just fine. Even if he has trouble socially and is apprehensive, he might be OK, but you need to consider your child individually. There are many camps that cater to children with special needs. If your child is reluctant about camp, ask yourself: Is this anxiety overcomable or should we consider a different placement? Children who have difficulty making friends or getting along with peers won’t magically do better over the summer. Make sure your child has the right supports to help him be a happy camper.
The American Camp Association offers tips for preparing children for camp, including these:
- Involve your children in planning for camp. “The more you can familiarize your kids with the experience ahead-of-time, the less scary it will be,” points out Peg Smith, CEO of the ACA.
- Show them you believe they can have a positive camp experience, and encourage them to share any anxieties they have about being away from home.
Dr. Jaime Black is a licensed psychologist practicing in Westchester and New York City. In addition to providing general mental health services, Jaime works with individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum, doing psychotherapy, conducting evaluations, and facilitating social skills groups. Visit www.spectrumservicesnyc.com, e-mail JaimeBlackPsyD@gmail.com or call (914)712-8208.
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