Many adults remember fondly their time at summer camp. Movies and television shows make summer camp look very attractive. But how does a parent prepare a child for summer camp? This article will explain the best way to choose a summer camp, preparing the child before they go to camp, a basic list of things most needed at summer camp, and what to do while your child is at camp.
Choosing a Summer Camp
The first step is to select the camp. Camp lengths vary from a week long experience to those lasting for the entire summer, The age and independence level of the child should be used in determing the length of time away from home. Younger children do best with weeklong camps within driving distance of home. Older and more independent children may enjoy a summer long camp a great distance from home.
Once the length of time spent at camp has been determined, the child's interests should be considered. Camps are available from many of the clubs children join (4H, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts for example). Religious based camps are also a possiblity for those families who belong to a specific church. Many of the camps of these types offer different themes each week in addition to focusing on the religious or club aspect. Music and theater camps are offered at many colleges for high school students during the summer.
Finding a camp to send your child to is as easy as visiting the website for the club or religious organization you belong to. These websites will offer information about the programs offered at the camps. In February 2012, the American Camp Association will provide a listing of camps called Find a Camp. It will be possible to search for camps on location, interest, and age of camper.
Once the camp is selected, the child should be registered as soon as possible. Many camps are popular so early registration guarantees a spot for your child. If paying for camp is a problem, many camps offer scholarships to campers or community organizations may assist. Camp is also a great present for many family members to go in on together for a child.
Preparing Your Child for Camp
Once your child is registered for camp, you will recieve a packet from the camp of things to bring and not bring (a basic list is included in this article as well). The child should be involved in purchasing any necessary items like toiletries, new clothes, etc. Once all the necessities are gathered, the child should, with help, pack the items in a bag that he/she can carry. This ensures the child can pack when it is time to come home, and can carry the bag to his/her cabin without assistance.
The night before leaving for camp the child should have as normal a routine as possible. Before leaving for camp, the child should have a good meal and put any necessary sleeping items in the bag (even if they don't usually sleep with a stuffed toy at home, the parents might want to suggest taking one for comfort). Parents can also hide little notes throughout the child's luggage before leaving.
When arriving at camp, parents should take care of any necessary items like turning in medicines, ordering pictures, putting money in the camp store, etc upon arrival. After a brief visit to the camp store and meeting the child's counselor, the parent should say goodbye and head for home. This act gives the child a chance to interact with his/her counselor and the other campers in their group. Often games are being played to keep the child distracted.
What to Take to Camp
This is only a basic list of needs at camp. Camps may have different suggestions or requirements. This is in no way a replacement for the list sent by the camp your child will be attending.
- Change of clothes for each day, including underwear and socks
- Closed toes shoes
- Towel and washcloth for bathing
- Flip flops or sandals for wearing in the shower
- Soap, Shampoo, other necessary toiletry items
- Swimsuit and Towel
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Sleeping bag or bed roll made with sheets and a blanket
- Pillow
- A small backpack for carrying items around during the day
- Refillable water bottle
While Your Child Is at Camp
Parents should not call the camp while their child is there. Children at week long camps are kept so busy that they don't have time to call home or talk to parents on the phone. Children at longer term camps are often given the option of calling home once a week. Camps are staffed by individuals trained in working with children. These individuals generally have training in CPR and first aid, as well as other specialized training for the camp they are responsible for.
Camp websites offer parentst the opportunity to contact their child through the week. A place to send an email is included at many sites, allowing friends and family to send messages to the child. The child cannot respond, but will enjoy hearing from home.
Mail call is another fun way to send a message. The camper's name is listed above the camp's address on the mailing. Boxes of goodies or cards make fun mail call surprises. Some camps offer parents the option of purchasing a camp specific care package to be delivered during the week.
Some camps use Facebook or their camp website to post pictures of campers having fun throughout the week. Parents are given a link and can access these pictures. It is often a good way to see a child enjoying their week at camp.
Summer Camp is an experience all children should have, whether it be for a week of the summer. With the variety of camps out there, a camp is available for every child's interest and age.
Reference
www.acacamps.org
Kelley Huston - A reader of all kinds of books, Kelley is an teacher who loves crafts and scrapbooking. She is a Disney fan who loves all things Disney.
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