Going to a sleepover camp is a milestone for children. Kids will make friends fast and experience new ideas. They’ll eat foods that they would have never tried at home and develop more self-confidence. Sleepover camps give kids a great opportunity to learn new life skills, too. If your child is anxious about the thought of going away to camp this summer, think, plan, and discuss now so you can enrich your child’s camp experience before it begins.
Is Your Child Ready?
You will generally know when your child is ready to attend a sleepover camp. Every child’s temperament is different, so their age should not be the determining factor. “Parents should look at their child’s attitude toward being away from home as well as their child’s personality factors,” says Frank Sileo, Ph.D., author of Bug Bites and Campfires: A Story for Kids about Homesickness. Just because you went to a specific camp as a child does not mean that camp type will be a good fit for your child. You need to evaluate whether the camp will meet your child’s disposition, talents, and/or interests. You should never force your child to attend a camp they don’t want to.
Which Camp is Right?
There are various camp locator organizations such as the Alberta Camping Association, albertacamping.com, where you can research a variety of accredited sleepover camps. Ask extended family and friends if they have any recommendations on a great sleep-away camp. You can also research local resources like family magazines (like this one, which has a comprehensive online Summer Camp & Program Guide), church organizations, and parks and recreation offices in your community.
It is important for your child to be part of the camp selection process in order for them to be on board with the choice. What special interests does your child have? Explore different camp websites, pamphlets, and brochures with your child. Have discussions with your child about what their goals are for camp. What do they want to do and get out of camp? “When children are involved, even in a small way in the decision-making process, they will experience increased feelings of control,” says Sileo. They will be more comfortable with the final decision.
Check out a camp with your child and speak with the camp director to get a feel for the camp culture. “Visit the camp and look for cleanliness of facilities and interaction with a child. Find out how the staff is selected and what criteria is used,” advises Jerry Huncosky, President and CEO of Frost Valley YMCA.
Discuss Apprehensions
It is common for most kids to experience homesickness at some time during their camp stay. Before camp, talk with your kid and let them know that it’s okay to miss home and the family. “Children often feel they are the only ones experiencing a negative feeling,” says Sileo. This gives them permission and helps the adjustment.
Role-playing helps kids think through situations that they have not experienced before, like finding a flashlight at night to run to the bathroom or asking their counselor for help. When parents provide simple life applications, kids will become more confident to handle new situations.
Take a Friend?
Going to camp with a friend has pros and cons. Attending camp with a friend may help a shyer child take the step of going on a sleepover. However, your child may cling to their friend and not explore all the opportunities at camp if they’re with a buddy.
Build the Excitement
Tell your child about all of the fun they’ll have at camp; how they’ll learn new crafts and play new games. “Your confidence in a positive experience will be contagious,” says Peg Smith, past CEO of the American Camp Association.
Kids love to hear stories about their parents and when they were ‘young.’ Tell your child stories about your positive camp experience and what you learned at camp. You can also share about the independence your child will gain by staying at a camp. “Families can also encourage healthy separation like overnight visits with family and friends throughout the year,” suggests Smith.
Hesitation
You will most likely have apprehensions when your child first goes away to sleepover camp, but it’s a normal part of the growing-up process. Remember, the camp director and staff are trained to deal with homesick kids. If you have a concern about your child, they will more than likely surprise you on how well they do at their first time away. “In reality, 99 per cent of kids flourish without the parent,” says Huncosky. Sleepover camps promote growth and independence. At the end of camp, you’ll meet your kid at the bus or find them in a crowd and the first thing they’ll say is, “When can I go to camp again?”
American Camp Association’s Dos and Don’ts of homesickness:
Jan has five children who have all gone to sleep-away camp. Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association from Calgary’s Child Magazine, Issue 97.
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