Your Home Away From Home

SLEEPAWAY CAMP: HOW TO PREP FOR YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME BY: ABBY LYNES

Sleepaway camps can be tough: You may miss your child, and it may be scary for them to spend so much time away from home. It can be incred ibly rewarding, though. Sleepaway camp can provide your child with the opportunity to gain independence, confidence, self-awareness and coop eration skills, all while making friends from across the country, even the world. Sleepaway camp holds a special place in children’s hearts, and it’s a place where they will make memories to last a lifetime. • Do your research in choosing a camp for

your child. Compare costs, activities, duration of stay and requirements with your children. And if the camp is close, visit it and have a look around. Both you and your child will be glad you did. Your child will be spending a lot of time at this place, and it’s important you both know what you’re getting into. • Check with friends and family and see if you know anyone else going to the camp. Having a friendly face can make the camp transition a lot easier. • Talk things through with your child, see what they’re concerned about and what you can do to help. Remind them that a lot of kids are feeling the same way, and they have nothing to worry about. Sleepaway camp should be fun! • Label, label, label. When it comes to packing, labeling is key, and multipurpose items rule. If you pack with purpose and care, it can help you save money not having to replace your child’s items when they come back from camp, and it can help all the other campers keep their belongings straight. Review the camp gear list with your child, and make sure you’re only bringing the essentials, leav ing valuable items at home. • Discuss safety, and make sure your child

knows which adults to talk to in case of an emergency. Make sure they know camp rules and regulations. • When you drop off your child and it’s time to say goodbye, be positive and upbeat, re minding them you’re only a phone call away and they’re going to have a fun summer. Don’t say you’ll come get them if they hate it, because then they’ll assume you will.