Getting Ready for Summer Camp, by Dr. Brad Schwall

Prepare your child socially for camp

You want your child to be respectul and enjoy getting to know new people to get the most out of his camp experience. 

• Talk about ways your child can make new friends
• Talk about how to give respect to campers and counselors
• Talk about ways to handle those kids who may not have the social skills and confidence to keep from being rude to others
• Talk about how to work it out when there are disagreements
• Talk about how to be positive and contribute to camp fun and spirit

Prepare your child to be away from you

• Talk about what to expect
• Make plans for taking advantage of whatever contact the camp allows whether it be letters or your being able to look at pictures online
• Talk to your child about focusing on the fun at camp rather than on being at home - encourage your child to take advantage of the fun activities she can do at camp that she cannot do at home
• If your child begins to get cold feet, explain that it is OK to be nervous, but that you know he or she will be just fine
• Plan a fun homecoming

Children need to be able to share their concerns and worries.  Completely denying their feelings does not make the feelings go away.

One of our primary goals as parents is to instill our children with confidence.  The goal of showing understanding for our children's feelings is to help them learn to handle those feelings and have confidence that they can persevere and face their challenges successfully.

Guide your children.  Talk to them.  Know what they're feeling and thinking.  Model confidence.  Show your kids how to be resilient and have fun.