Preparing for the First-Time Camp Experience

Is this the summer that your child will attend an overnight camp for the first time? Here are some things to consider:

Do an online search of camps that seem a likely fit to your child’s personality and interests. Begin your search early and survey a wide variety of camps. Check that the activities are available for your child’s age group and personally speak with the camp director in an open and honest manner. Allow time for you and your child to discuss their first summer camp adventure. Going away to camp is a family event and parents, siblings, and grandparents all play a role.

Younger brothers and sisters may become anxious about their sibling being away and this uneasiness can transfer to your first time camper. Have a planned itinerary for the younger ones. This could be day camp, weekend trips or plans with friends who also have little ones for group games, sports or themed activities.

Grandparents are often the impetus for their grandchildren going to camp. So while one child is at camp it can be an ideal time for the younger ones to spend some time with grandparents. And be sure to emphasize that they will soon have their turn to go away to camp as well.

Parent’s behaviour plays an important role in ensuring a successful first time away. How you portray camp in the weeks leading up to departure is key to your child’s adjustment. Be positive, encouraging and never make a deal for an early pick-up from camp. A “pick-up deal” is not an incentive but rather a recipe for difficulties.

I don’t agree with the term “homesickness,” it suggests an illness rather than an ordinary human reaction.  Feeling unsettled in the first 48 hours is common and generally short lived. Camp is a fun place and learning to become comfortable away from home is just one of the many reasons for going to camp.

Leave cell phones at home. Cell phones are for dealing with changing schedules, security and the need for contact anytime anywhere. These issues of adult life are not part of the daily life at summer camp. A child is less likely to go to their counsellors or cabin mates for support or someone to talk to when it’s easier to just call mom or dad. This leads to isolation from camp life rather than personal development of independence and interdependence that the camp experience provides.

Your personal comfort level with a period of separation from your children is also important and can be moderated by a vacation, special project or business travel. A time for some well deserved R&R will keep you engaged while the kids are at camp.

Always choose a camp accredited by the Ontario Camps Association. They have a proven record for the highest standards of professional practice, health and safety, caring and capable leaders, and beneficial programs for children. So relax and let the magic of summer camp happen for your child.

Stephen Fine, Ph.D., is Director of The Hollows Camp in Cookstown, and National Research Committee Chair for the Canadian Camping Association/Association des camps du Canada