Camp is a summer tradition for thousands of children each year. It gives them a chance to try new activities, share a tent or cabin with other children, improve social skills, and build self confidence. Helping a child have this positive experience requires some planning. Here are some suggestions for preparing your child for camp.
1. Make sure your child is ready to attend camp. He should have experience at sleeping away from home, and be able to take care of showering, dressing, and eating independently. If your child hasn't sleep away before or isn't independent in self-help skills, practice ahead of time.
2. Be sure that your child wants to attend camp. If you're sending him because you think it will be a growing or learning experience, it may not be the positive time that you hope for. Discuss the camp and help your child feel confident and enthusiastic about attending.
3. Familiarize your child with the camp beforehand if possible. Visit and find out where everything is located. If you can't do that, at least obtain a brochure with pictures and a list of daily activities. Discuss with your child what he can expect at camp.
4. Shop and pack for camp together. Choose clothing that your child is comfortable in. Make sure shoes are in good repair. Don't forget to pack personal care articles and other necessities.
5. Pack a comfort item. This might be a small stuffed animal or pillow. A favorite item can provide feelings of comfort and security.
6. Discuss homesickness. Let your child know that he may feel a bit lonely or frightened at first but that after he starts making friends and getting involved in the activities he'll feel better. Send along a family photo and a letter reassuring him that he'll do fine at camp.
7. Talk about concerns. Is your child afraid he won't make friends? Does he worry about getting lost or sleeping in an unfamiliar place? Is he afraid of the dark? Does he wet the bed? Discuss ways he might deal with these problems.
8. Project confidence in your child that he'll be able to handle the camping experience. Assure him that he'll fit in and do as well as the other campers.
9. Stay in touch. If your child is going to be gone more than a week, keep in touch through letters. Don't call. Phone calls can trigger homesickness or make it worse. Write about things you are doing or send comic strips, photos, or other small items that your child will enjoy.
Camping is a fun, positive experience for thousands of children each summer.
Prepare your child ahead of time to be one of those campers.
Source: http://www2.townonline.com/parentsandkids/news/view.bg?articleid=165230&format=