Camp: A Summertime Tradition Going to Camp: Making it Less Scary, More Enjoyable

By Paige Townley

Goingto camp, whether overnight or just for the day, is a rite of passage – a fun summer tradition that every child should experience at some point in childhood. “I’m a proponent for all kids getting to go to camp because it’s an experience,” says Steve Merifield, YMCA Camp Cosby executive director. “Most kids will come out on the other side smarter, stronger and happier.”

But for many kids – and even parents – the thought of going to camp for the very first time can be quite overwhelming, and even a little bit scary. To remove those fears and instead make it all about the fun it just requires the right mindset and preparation. We have the tips and advice straight from the camp experts on how to prepare, what to bring, and ways to maximize the new adventure.

Focus on an Interest

There is a plethora of camps available today, each with its own niche on topic or activity, and that in itself can be overwhelming when trying to select a camp. Break through the clutter and check out the camps focused on the interests of the child.

For example, children who prefer being outside will find it fun to attend Camp Gross Out, which hosts weekly day camps for children entering first grade through fourth grade (with kids in fifth through seventh grade allowed to participate as counselors-in-training) all around Birmingham. “Depending on the location, we may be spending time wading in a creek or out in the woods,” explains Verna Gates, founder and executive director. “The camp is a lot of learning disguised as fun as they get the opportunity for controlled exploration outside in nature.”

For kids between third and sixth grades who want to be learning and enjoy science and STEM-based activities, there are camps like Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum’s Design Camp. This week-long day camp offers kids an opportunity to learn all about designing a motorsports park and even build their own. “We do a lot of hands-on STEM activities, things related to building bridges, making bridge pillars, learning about landscape design, planting flowers, and even building rubber band powered racecars,” says Wendy Sue Jantz, education director. While participating in STEM activities, campers also get the opportunity to go behind the scenes at Barber, enjoying all sorts of opportunities you can’t do any other time, like access to the track, waving the checkered flag, and touring race control.

“With that we also teach about safety, design principles, engineering design, and marketing – practically every aspect of running a motorsports park,” Jantz adds.

Another interest-focused camp targeting female equine fans is Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp. Open to girls ages eight to 17, the overnight camp has a specialized emphasis on horseback riding, which campers are allowed to frequently enjoy on the camp’s 600 acres of pastures and wooded trails.

There are also camps like Highlands School Day Camp, which offers a wide range of themed weekly day camps to choose from. Themes change each week, with arts and crafts and STEM-based activities zeroing in on the theme for each week. Highlands School also offers enrichment camps and mini camps based on a variety of topics throughout the summer as well.

“Campers can be signed up for a morning enrichment camp and then go into the traditional day camp that afternoon,” says Lisa Camp, director of EDP & Summer Camp. “Whatever camp they choose, there are all sorts of fun but educational activities the child will enjoy based on that particular topic.”

Pack the Right Items

While some camps provide meals or other needed items, not all do. It’s important for parents to be sure to check with each individual camp to see what should be brought from home each day (or for the overnight) stay. Many day camps, like Camp Gross Out, require campers to bring their own lunch and water bottle each day. “We also request for campers, depending on location, to bring a bathing suit if we’re going to be fishing or swimming that day,” Gates adds.

Parents also must remember for practically any camp that it’s all about fun and play, so don’t send children in clothes that can’t get dirty. “Camp isn’t school,” explains Rhonda Elmore., vice president of youth development for the YMCA of Greater Birmingham. “Kids are outside a lot at camp. Don’t send them in their best clothes – send them in play clothes and sneakers. They are going to play, and they are going to play hard.”

Whatever is sent, parents should also remember to put their child’s name on the items. “If you want to make sure to get it back, put their name on it,” Elmore adds. “Kids can easily forget what is theirs after a long day of fun.”

Must Ask Questions

Much information about a camp is straightforward to find, but there are specific questions that parents should be sure to ask ahead of time – many simply for the benefit of the parents themselves. One question is if the camp offers before or after care, as some offer that extra time to help working parents with the busy day’s schedule. Another is if scholarships are available. “We give out a lot of scholarships,” Gates says. “If parents need help with the cost, ask upfront if there is any assistance program. Sometimes camps can help a family afford for their child to attend.”

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Another must-ask question, especially for first timers attending an overnight camp, is for the packing list. “That’s always good to have in hand, especially for new parents to look at,” Merifield says.

In addition, Merifield suggests parents communicate with the camp about any training the camp staff have had, such as lifeguards and nurses.

“Parents of course have expectations when it comes to things like medical assistance, first aid, and food allergies, so they should be talking upfront with the camp about training the staff has had,” he says. “For example, we have at least three registered nurses on property 24 hours a day for the entire length of the camp. They are there to help kids with any medication or dietary restrictions, and parents can spend time with them to discuss whatever is needed ahead of time.”

Prep for Being Away

When it comes to overnight camp, such as YMCA’s Camp Cosby, it can be easy for parents and children to both get caught up in the fear and emotion of being separated for a few days, but that can often be easily remedied if parents start communicating with the child about it early on. “Set the expectation early for what it will mean while at camp,” Merifield suggests. “Talk about how they will be away without communication for a length of time and what it means but do so in a positive way. Kids who understand ahead of time and come into it with a positive viewpoint will obviously start off much better at camp.”

When talking to kids about it, parents must also be sure to project positivity and not sharing any anxiety with the child, Merifield adds. “Steer clear of talk about how much you’ll miss them and those sorts of things,” he says. “Don’t project nervousness onto the child because they tend to mimic that behavior.”

Focus on the Benefits

“Campers are getting an opportunity to try new things and make new friends,” Elmore says. “Our goal is to create an experience where they can have fun while gaining new skills, making new friends, and feeling a sense of belonging.”

Sometimes the nervousness, of either the parent or the child, outweighs the initial excitement about camp, but in the end the child gains so much more than they or the parents even thought possible at camp. “As adult we forget those experiences,” Merifield says. “But so often after a child gets home from camp, parents see them being more independent and confident. Camp gives them the opportunity to build those qualities.” www.birminghamparent.com/directory/