Jun 22, 09 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.
Summer at camp
We finally did it. We made it to summer. Even if the thermostat doesn’t always say it, the calendar does. With the start of summer comes summer camp. Each year, kids as young as 7 or 8 years old head off on their own for overnight camp. There are a variety of different overnight camps from sports camps, to music camps to theater camps, and religious camps. Some camps are co-ed and some are all girls or all boys. The trick as a parent is to first to figure out if your child is ready and then to pick the right camp.
Once you have had picked the camp it is time to start preparing your child. Talk about what camp life is like. If you are unsure, then get a brochure from the camp. Many camps also provide CDs/DVDs about their camp. Talk to others who have gone to this camp. Not only does it help for you to speak with other parents, but have your child meet or speak with other kids who have gone to this camp. Every year my daughter has received a list of one or two new kids going to her camp. She starts emailing with them and has formed some great new friendships that last even after camp is through.
Each year before my kids go to camp- they have been going for the past 4-5 years to a 4 week overnight camp- we talk about different scenarios that may come up. Even though they have been there many times each summer is different and brings new experience. We may talk about what to do if they get homesick. I give them suggestion on who they talk with or get a hug from. I also give them special notes that they can find through the summer and a special pillow to hug when they need one. We also talk about what to do if they have an issue with a friend or they feel others are picking on them. Another scenario is what to do if someone asks them to do something they don’t want to. One counselor had my daughter’s cabin taking showers in pairs. This made her very uncomfortable and we discussed the next year how to handle something like this. Lastly, they can tell you that each year I give the following advice: wash your hands a lot, don’t forget your sunscreen, get good sleep, and most importantly have a lot of fun.
Preparation is the key to having a fun and safe summer. Please see some of the attached sites for more ideas on how to prepare for a great summer at camp.
Homesickness – tips for parents
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