Here is How to Prepare Your Child for His First Camp Experience

Life at camp is different from what most children are used to at home. It can take some adjusting to make out the most of the time at camp, but parents can help.

In this blog, we share a few ways all eager parents can ease their child’s transition to camp life, especially if it is his or her first time to camp. Continue reading if your child is going to experience camp life for the first time this year:

Learn About the Camp

Most camps share booklets, user guides, links to private forums and other materials with parents. Go over them to become familiar with the camp’s procedures, schedule and activities. Talk about the activities with your child and ask which ones he wants to try. Speak to the camp about your kid’s preferences. It will help.

Start a New Friendship

Some summer camps in New Jersey assign children a pen pal at the time of registration. Encourage your child to write to that friend. Having one person who knows you in a new place will make transition to camp life easier.

Reassure Your Child

Most children are excited about going to camp, but if yours is nervous, you can reassure him by reminding him about the great things that will happen at the camp. Showing your confidence in him by saying something like you are confident that he will do great. You can also advise your kid to be friendly and open to what the camp offers.

Stay Away from Pick-up Deals

It is normal for parents to get carried away and promise their children that they are only a phone call away. Do not do it. This type of behavior can weight on your child and set him up for failure. It can make it difficult for him to decide if he should stay at camp or go home. This confusion will never let him fully embrace his new surroundings.

Set Realistic Expectations

Nothing causes more headaches than unrealistic expectations. Prepare your child for it. You don’t have to promise him that every moment at camp will be filled with excitement. Speak about the ups as well as downs of camp life, encourage your child to read about camps online and set realistic expectations.

Camp life is exciting. But for first-timers, it can be overwhelming. Parents can help their children by speaking to them about the camp, setting realistic expectations and encouraging them to make friends early.