As summer approaches, many families are preparing to send their children to camp for the first time. While it is an exciting milestone, first-time campers and parents alike can experience a variety of emotions — all of which are perfectly normal.
“Most first-time campers are simply nervous about the unknown,” explains Amy Santuomo, director of administration at Camp Carl in Ravenna. “They’re not sure what they’re walking into — whether they’ll make friends, if they’ll miss their parents, or if they’ll like their counselor.”
She adds, “At check-in, we see a lot of kids who are both nervous and excited. They’re really just looking
for reassurance that everything is going to be OK.”
To help your children feel more confident, here are 10 tips to prepare them socially and emotionally for their first time at camp.
Tip 1: Learn together about the camp ahead of time
“Campers may worry about not knowing anyone or what happens first,” says Rhonda Rickelman, director of auxiliary programming at Gilmour Academy. “They are often in a new space, not their school or preschool. Questions about where things are and the schedule of the day may cause some anxiety.”
To combat this, Rickelman suggests visiting the site together before the first day.
Santuomo agrees that it’s important for both parents and children to learn as much as possible about the camp ahead of time. She suggests parents “use the camp’s website and resources to learn what to expect.” Going through the website together and looking at pictures and videos “gives them a visual of what to expect.”
Also, talk to families who have attended previously. “They’re the best source of real-world insight into how the camp runs and what the experience is like,” she says.
Tip 2: Manage parent nerves
First-time campers aren’t the only ones who may feel nervous.
“An anxious parent often creates an anxious child,” Santuomo says. “I talk with many nervous parents throughout the summer, and it’s completely normal to feel that way when sending your child to camp for the first time.”
Rickelman advises parents to be encouraging rather than projecting their own fears. “Let the anxiety come from their camper, then deal with it,” she says. “Teach them how to use their words to describe their feelings, doubts and insecurities. Don’t project what they might be feeling.”
If you are feeling uneasy, Santuomo suggests looking through the parent information on the camp’s website or scheduling a tour. “When you feel confident and comfortable with the camp you’ve chosen, your child will sense that and feel more confident, too.”
Tip 3: Help your child develop perseverance and resilience ahead of time
“Perseverance should be cultivated before camp begins. Make a special point to acknowledge situations where your camper is demonstrating perseverance,” says Rickelman. She recommends that parents intentionally acknowledge situations where their child is already showing resilience, such as:
Recognizing when it took time for their child to get better at a task, a grade in school, or an instrument.
Reinforcing that “learning and trying new things may have setbacks.”
Reminding them: “You’ve done new things before and you’ve handled them like a champ.”
Tip 4: Provide opportunities in advance for children to prepare for overnight camp
If your child is heading to sleepaway camp, the transition is even more significant. Santuomo recommends giving your child “opportunities to stay overnight at trusted places away from home before coming to a week of overnight camp for the first time.” She notes that “campers are more likely to be able to stay away from home for a week if they have had some ‘practice’ and some guidance from their families.”
Tip 5: Practice packing the backpack together ahead of time
Helping children manage the responsibility of their belongings is an important skill to develop before camp.
“Parents often pack the backpack or bag for their campers. Rickelman says, “Unfortunately, campers do not know their belongings.”
Instead, she recommends that campers work with their parents to pack their backpacks so they know which items are theirs. She also suggests labeling everything and helping children understand how to put their stuff away — rather than leaving them “scattered all over the floor.”
To help them master this, Rickelman recommends parents can create a picture or word checklist including these reminders:
“Swimsuit goes in the plastic bag.”
“Socks are put in my shoes so that when I put them back on they are right there.”
“Sunscreen is applied to my face, neck, arms and legs.”
“Keep your water bottle with you at all times. Don’t leave it laying around.”
“My hat is on my head.”
“Preparing the bag the night before helps ensure “the morning is stress and drama free,” she says. “The more a camper can master daily tasks, the easier it is for them to be aware of others around them. Then, they are able to focus on the fun of the activities.”
Tip 6: Speak in positive ways about the camp and counselors
Homesickness is a natural part of the process.
Rickelman suggests validating those feelings by telling your child something like, “Missing home sometimes means that your home is a great place.” After acknowledging the child’s feelings, help the child see the positive aspects of the camp.
Encourage your children by speaking positively about the counselors.
“The camp staff is there for your camper and they want them to be safe, have fun and be part of the camp experience,” Rickelman adds.
If necessary, for extra comfort, pack a small, soothing item that can be “carried” in a pocket. However, leave the tech at home. “Camp is a time to disconnect from technology and engage in new and meaningful relationships,” Rickelman notes.
Tip 7: Create a drop-off and pick-up routine
Confidence starts at the drop-off line. Rickelman advocates for “a ‘clean’ goodbye: a hug, a kiss, and an assurance that you will see them later. Lingering and watching is not beneficial to the camper.” Instead, she says, “Trust that the camp staff is well-versed in providing the supportive and caring environment needed for each camper.”
At pick-up, give them space to process. “Campers are usually tired at the end of the day,” Rickelman cautions. “Give them time to process and then talk about their experience. They may be better able to talk about their day after dinner or after they have had time to rest.”
Tip 8: Don’t promise to pick children up early
It’s tempting to promise a child you’ll pick him up early if he doesn’t like it, but Rickelman warns this can backfire. “These promises will indicate that you are anxious about the situation or think that there is something that should cause anxiety. This puts the camper on high alert that there is a way ‘out’. Instead, help them to put confidence in the counselors that they are there to help you and help you feel better.”
Tip 9: Create opportunities for children to practice independence
Rickelman has noticed campers who have experience with daycare or preschool often adapt faster because they have had more practice being flexible and using self-care skills.
Regardless of your camper’s exposure to school or daycare, developing more independence is an important skill for camp.
“Even if it isn’t perfect, let your child navigate daily tasks at home,” Rickelman says. “Independence is one of the biggest takeaways from camps. Watching that confidence grow is affirming for both the parent and the camp.”
Tip 10: Teach children simple, effective social skills or phrases to make friends
While many campers fear being the “only one” who doesn’t know anyone, Santuomo notes, “A lot of kids come to camp without a friend alongside. The best way to get to know someone is by having fun together.”
To help the process, Rickelman suggests parents help their children to develop skills to help make friends:
“Remind campers that sharing, taking turns and making friends are keys to the experience.”
“Teach your camper how to smile. Say hello and even do a cute handshake.”
Encourage them that “joining in will make it easy for you to meet new people.”
Help them “have one question that they can ask other campers – preferably something that they are interested in.”
Suggest they “invite someone to be their buddy or partner for an activity” or “invite someone to sit with them at lunch.”
Going to camp for the first time is a big deal for both children and parents. By fostering perseverance, resilience and independence before the first day, you ensure your child is well on his or her way toward a successful camp experience.
