Parenting Pearls

Parenting Pearls Getting Ready for Camp

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

With school barely behind us and camp coming up fast, there’s so much to do. It’s surprising just how much kids require to start the summer. Shopping for everything they need and then labeling it with a Sharpie is a full-time job.

There are many ways to enjoy the summer, and not all kids will attend a formal camp. For many of our local children, they will attend camp at home, work, swim or enjoy some other means of relaxing and refreshing themselves.

For most of our local youngsters, though, camp is where they will be spending those enjoyable summer days. Our local children are fortunate to have many, wonderful camp options. Besides the variety of local day camps and sleepaway camps, they now have hybrid camps where the campers can enjoy the best of both worlds. While I only ever attended our local day camps as a child, it’s nice there are so many options today to accommodate the needs of each individual. Kids are not one-size-fits-all and neither are their summer needs.

For this week’s topic, I’d like to focus exclusively on day camps. While some portions of this discussion will apply to sleepaway camps, too, I’ll mostly be addressing the topic as it pertains to day camps.

Why Camp?

There are many obvious reasons why children go to camp. Some parents need childcare, while others are afraid their child will go crazy with nothing to do. But camp can be more than just babysitting or entertainment. For many children, camp gives them a chance to shine in ways they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to do.

School is a major part of a child’s life. For a child who experiences stress during that time or doesn’t feel successful in academics, they now have the opportunity to show their talents in camp. Whether it’s the more relaxed learning environment or the increased stress on sports, arts and crafts, singing or any of the myriad nonacademic activities children enjoy, there are so many unique ways for children to succeed outside the classroom. For example, the youngster who feels inadequate during math may be the one leading the cheers in camp.

It is true that many children will choose the same camp their friends do. Even so, they will still meet new people. Most children enjoy meeting new peers and benefit from adding new friendships. For children who haven’t found their niche yet, camp provides yet another opportunity to find that chevra. Camp friendships can last all year and are another opportunity for children to bond and connect with others their age.

Camp bunks are generally smaller than school class sizes. Being in a smaller setting may permit those who shy away from large groups to open up in a more cozy environment. For these children, camp provides them with another chance to thrive.

Counselors

I was newly married when I entered the classroom for a new substitute teaching job. The regular teacher was about to give birth, and I was stepping in to take the reins for approximately the next six weeks. As I looked at the room full of high school girls (who were curiously studying their new, temporary teacher), my gaze settled on one face that looked familiar but I couldn’t fully place. I realized I must have glanced at her a bit too long when I noticed she began to squirm slightly.

The last thing I wanted was to make a new student feel uncomfortable, so I quickly asked her name and then explained to her that she looked familiar and that I suspected I had been her camp counselor years prior. I was shocked to not only confirm that I had been her counselor, but nearly ten other girls raised their hands to say that I had been their counselor, too. They were correct! As I went through the list of names, I was suddenly looking at my young campers, now teenagers. It was surreal but also immediately bonded me to my students.

I had been a camp counselor for many years. As the camp moved me up with the same girls each year, I was also privileged to get to know my campers very well. I learned a tremendous amount from each of them, and it was a joy to see them in my classroom years later.

As much as I felt close to my campers, it was still an incredibly demanding job. To this day, I still have a lot of respect for what good counselors do to ensure our children have a wonderful summer. The majority of counselors are teenagers, themselves trying to relax after a hectic school year. Rather than spend time at home, they choose to take on a job that will challenge them and make them work hard. Please don’t be mistaken and think it’s easy to keep a large group of kids entertained throughout the day, at each activity punctually, and interacting together with proper middos. I suspect many adults themselves would find that challenging.

When interacting with your child’s

counselor, please remember their age. They’re doing their best but don’t have the same life experience and maturity that we do. It’s unfair to expect they will suddenly develop the understanding of an adult when they’re handed their bunk. As nice and appreciated as tips are, a sincere thank you can go a long way towards showing your child’s counselor that you are grateful for all they’re doing to give your child a wonderful summer.

Safety

It’s important to teach our children how to be safe and appropriate in all environments they will encounter; camp is certainly no exception. This list cannot cover all possible situations, and parents will know what their child’s unique needs are.

Even when we were children – way back when I had my beloved pet dinosaur – allergies existed. While I have no statistics to back this, my anecdotal evidence suggests there has been an increase in the severity of allergic reactions. Parents may remember when school lunch programs had peanut butter as a mealtime staple for children that didn’t have lunch. There was no concern about anaphylactic nut reactions back then. Today, the food landscape has changed tremendously, and too many children are at-risk from nuts, sesame or other foods. You will most likely receive a communication from the camp explaining their food policy. Please check the ingredients of your child’s snacks before packing them and respect the food sensitivities of others.

There are many professionals that have covered this topic of “safe touch” in-depth so I will simply suggest parents avail themselves of these resources and remind everyone to make the time to have that important conversation with your child. Your child should know they can speak to you about anything that comes up. This is just one of the many discussions we need to have on an ongoing basis with our precious loved ones.

Clothing

Take the time to mark your child’s clothing and other items with their name. By the end of the summer, camps can easily accrue a lost and found full of unmarked, hefker items. It’s easy to confuse clothing when children change in and out of their bathing suits. Cloth-

ing can look very similar, especially when parents tend to shop in the same stores. Additionally, little children can have a difficult time recognizing their own items. If you’d like your child to return in the correct underwear and socks, then labeling them is your best chance. It’s also a chessed to your child’s counselor who will now avoid the guessing game of “to whom does this belong?”. Tip: silver Sharpies show well on dark fabrics and

For many children, camp gives them a chance to shine in ways they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to do.

ultra-fine point Sharpies work great in small areas.

Youngsters are busy in camp. They’re having fun and getting messy. Please don’t send any item that you would become upset about should it become damaged or not come home at all. When you have 15 little ones painting, the mess flies. When children run across the grass, their clothing can get stained. Only send clothing that can be easily washed and you don’t mind sacrificing for a wonderful summer.

Take the time to check the camp’s dress code before the camp season begins. It’ll make shopping easier and prevent last minute fashion fiascos.

Camp is the highlight of the year for so many children. It’s truly special that we have so many local options to provide our community’s youth with a safe and wholesome environment. Take advantage of what our community has to offer.

Have a wonderful summer!

Sara Rayvych, MSEd, has her master’s in general and special education. She has been homeschooling for over 10 years in Far Rockaway. She can be contacted at RayvychHomeschool@gmail.com.