Parents want to send a child to camp, so they can have a fun experience, or learn a new skill, but they might wonder if a child is ready for camp based on their age.
“As far as the age of a child camp is great for — it’s 6 years old,” says Natisha Bowling, senior vice president of youth development at YMCA of Greater Cleveland. “Once they have that kindergarten experience, and they learn how to separate from mom, and to be more independent, it’s time for them to have a camp experience. And every child is different, and that’s why at the YMCA, we offer a variety of camps so that the parent can find out what’s the best fit for their child.”
“Kids should go into a camp experience with an open mind, looking to make new friends, and experience new things,” she adds. “When you prepare
them that way, they are always successful because they expect it — to do something new.”
When it comes to overnight or sleepaway camp, Dave Devey, director/owner of Falcon Camp says there’s no answer that fits everyone as is typical with children.
“We start accepting children at age 6,” he says. “We have a one-week introductory program designed for first-time, younger campers, called Young Adventures, with a little bit more parental kinds of oversight that older kids don’t need — to make sure you’re eating the right foods, not wearing the same shirt you had on yesterday, and that you put toothpaste on your toothbrush when you go to brush your teeth.”
Devey says it can be good for families to begin with a day camp, especially with younger campers to get them used to the concept of doing something different and being away from home.
“At younger ages, parents need to decide if their children are ready, and not rush into it. If a child isn’t excited about the idea, or if they don’t really understand if you say, ‘you’re not going to see mom or dad for a week,’ and they get panicked, well, then, they are probably not ready to go, and that’s OK,” Devey says.
He adds, “I did that with my own granddaughter, who was at camp last year. She just turned 8, but when she was 7, I didn’t think she was ready, and I said so. I said, ‘no, it’s not a good idea.’ I didn’t want her hanging on my pant leg all week. I wanted her to go, be a camper, and be a part of things. This past summer, she went to camp, and she did great, but I’m not sure she would have before.”
Devey says it’s helpful for parents to have a conversation with the camp director, or a staff member to determine if a child is ready.
“We have more conversations with parents of younger children to determine whether or not their child is ready. We encourage them to come if the feeling is they’re ready, and we encourage them to wait if they are not ready,” he says.
Every child grows up at a different pace. Some children are ready at age 6, and for others, they aren’t ready at age 9, and that’s OK,” he stresses.
“There are a number of children that aren’t ready at age 6 or 7. Parents are certainly the best judge of that, but we don’t push families at that age,” Devey says. “We want campers to be ready, and that’s important for parents to know with overnight camp. We want children who are ready to come to camp, learn new things and grow. When kids are age 8 or 9, the majority of them will be ready to take that shot, and when they reach double digits, or if they haven’t tried something by the time they’re 10, it’s time to.”
On a practical level, kids learn how to interact with their peers, participate in all types of camp activities, and they also get to be a part of games and competitions.
Kids of all ages, cultures, backgrounds, and skill levels can appreciate the benefits and joys of camp.
“Our camps are great because, not only do they provide that social experience for children to socialize with others and make lifelong friendships, but we also help with the social, emotional, and mental wellness that’s necessary for kids,” Bowling says.
“The value of an overnight camp experience is absolutely worth parents taking a look at it and finding the right camp for their families’ situation and doing it,” Devey says.
Bowling adds camp is an invaluable experience for youth.
“Whether it’s day camp, a specialty camp, or residential camp. It’s just a milestone during childhood that’s very beneficial and every child deserves a camp experience,” she says.
