There may be several months between the time that you select your and Overnight Summer Camp and send in your deposit and opening day. However, helping your child prepare for camp involves more than just packing their trunk. You want to make sure that your child is ready emotionally for this new adventure.
Getting your child ready for camp requires a delicate balance. Talking about this exciting new experience is great but, you also don't want to overdo it. Over discussing Summer Camp can cause, children to loose a sense of reality, lead to expectations and fantasies that can't be met, thus, leading to disappointment. It's also possible that these discussions continually highlight fears which, lead only to an increase of homesickness. Several months before the beginning of camp you may want to start yur disscussions but not much before April. As receive pre-camp information it's wise to share these with your child.
Talking about Summer Camp: Children have incredible radar, and can easily feel your concerns and fears. Carefully select the words you use when talking about camp. Be sure to visit your local library to pick up books and movies about summer camp. Sure, many of these have exaggerated storylines they can produce good conversation. Watch or read them together.
However, make sure to pick up on the subtle signals that your child sends. If they seem put off by the books or videos, then drop the subject. Most importantly, make sure that you never use camp as a threat or in anger. It's important that you never seem like you're counting the days until your child leaves for camp. The words can linger longer than you think, and it will confuse your child about what camp is supposed to be. Your child should believe that camp is a fun experience and that is why you have chosen it.
Some Dos: * Do try to have your child meet the camp director before camp begins.
* Do talk about the camp in a positive way, to let your child know that you believe camp is a safe, exciting place.
* Do try and arrange a play date with a fellow camper before camp. If this is not possible, try and establish a link through mail, e-mail, or phone.
* Do continue to have short separations, such as sleepovers with family and friends for good practice.
* Do allow your child to verbalize her concerns, even if they sound silly. You may learn about worries that you can easily resolve.
* Do talk to an experienced camper about the program. He or she can tell you what you will really need to pack, what you can leave at home, and what kids really wear, and do at camp.
Some Don'ts: * Don't introduce anything else new in your child's life. Try to keep everything as normal as possible, especially in the time close to the opening day.
* Don't try to squeeze in a family vacation just before camp starts. Plan to be at home for at least five days before your child leaves for camp to provide the comfort of a usual routine.
*Don't let your child suspect you have concerns about their adjustment to being away from home.
These are just a few ideas on sending your child to Summer Camp. Learn more and visit Summer Camp Advice
Getting your child ready for camp requires a delicate balance. Talking about this exciting new experience is great but, you also don't want to overdo it. Over discussing Summer Camp can cause, children to loose a sense of reality, lead to expectations and fantasies that can't be met, thus, leading to disappointment. It's also possible that these discussions continually highlight fears which, lead only to an increase of homesickness. Several months before the beginning of camp you may want to start yur disscussions but not much before April. As receive pre-camp information it's wise to share these with your child.
Talking about Summer Camp: Children have incredible radar, and can easily feel your concerns and fears. Carefully select the words you use when talking about camp. Be sure to visit your local library to pick up books and movies about summer camp. Sure, many of these have exaggerated storylines they can produce good conversation. Watch or read them together.
However, make sure to pick up on the subtle signals that your child sends. If they seem put off by the books or videos, then drop the subject. Most importantly, make sure that you never use camp as a threat or in anger. It's important that you never seem like you're counting the days until your child leaves for camp. The words can linger longer than you think, and it will confuse your child about what camp is supposed to be. Your child should believe that camp is a fun experience and that is why you have chosen it.
Some Dos: * Do try to have your child meet the camp director before camp begins.
* Do talk about the camp in a positive way, to let your child know that you believe camp is a safe, exciting place.
* Do try and arrange a play date with a fellow camper before camp. If this is not possible, try and establish a link through mail, e-mail, or phone.
* Do continue to have short separations, such as sleepovers with family and friends for good practice.
* Do allow your child to verbalize her concerns, even if they sound silly. You may learn about worries that you can easily resolve.
* Do talk to an experienced camper about the program. He or she can tell you what you will really need to pack, what you can leave at home, and what kids really wear, and do at camp.
Some Don'ts: * Don't introduce anything else new in your child's life. Try to keep everything as normal as possible, especially in the time close to the opening day.
* Don't try to squeeze in a family vacation just before camp starts. Plan to be at home for at least five days before your child leaves for camp to provide the comfort of a usual routine.
*Don't let your child suspect you have concerns about their adjustment to being away from home.
These are just a few ideas on sending your child to Summer Camp. Learn more and visit Summer Camp Advice
About the Author:
Swift Nature Camp a non-competitive, Minnesota Summer Camps that offers a traditional summer camp for Boy and Girls ages 6-15. Campers enjoy camp activities as they learn at this Animal Summer Camp.
