How to Get Kids Excited Excited for Day Camp

Cheryl Maguire

“Who’s excited about camp?”

My twins looked at me with perplexed expressions. They had never been to summer camp before. Since we signed them up this year, I wanted to make sure they were looking forward to it. Here’s how to get kids excited about their first summer camp experience.

Read, Watch, Learn

Go to the local library with your aspiring campers and check out picture books regarding the topic (or chapter books, depending on age). YouTube has camprelated videos and songs that you can learn together. The idea is to create excitement and help kids understand what to expect. You can also talk about your own camp experiences.

Discuss Friendship

When you’re at home playing board games with your kids, stress the importance of taking turns (practice, if needed) and talk about how to have conversations with new kids. Ask questions like, “What are some things you can talk about with kids your age?” Or, “What are some ways to make new friends?” You can also watch kid-friendly movies about friendship and discuss what worked and what didn’t.

Play Camp Games

Set up mini Olympics-type competitions where friends or other neighborhood kids can join in. Activities such as relay races, a water balloon toss, mini golf and badminton are fun with a group. Another idea: Create a scavenger hunt with camp-related items like a backpack, flashlight, lunch box and sunglasses. Or use San Diego Family’s free Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt and explore the backyard or a nearby park. Print it at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/outabout/nature-scavenger-hunt-for-kids. After either activity, celebrate with s’mores!

Go Swimming

Many day camps offer swimming as an activity at least once throughout the week— sometimes every day. Be sure your children are equipped with the basics. Taking a few swim lessons before camp starts allows kids to learn some water safety tips and helps reinforce that swimming is fun. It can also ease any anxieties that kids and parents may have.

Plan to Visit

Many camps offer an open house or orientation to help families understand what camp will be like. If you haven’t heard about an open house being offered, ask. It’s a perfect time to ask questions and meet counselors or other campers. If you meet other children attending the same camp, try setting up a play date before camp starts to make the first day a little easier.

Hit the Stores

With the “what to bring to camp” list in hand, take the kids shopping for necessary items. If budget allows, let them pick out a beach towel, bathing suit and water bottle (or something else needed for the type of camp your kids will attend). I let my kids choose a new backpack just for camp. While we shopped, we discussed the activities they will participate in such as swimming, sports and art projects. Don’t forget sunscreen.

Create a Countdown

My kids love countdowns for holidays and vacations. Provide a visual to keep track of the number of days until camp starts. A countdown calendar, countdown app or paper chain helps build excitement and prepare kids for the big first day.

“Who’s Excited About Camp Now?”

After I did the above with my twins, they both jumped up and down with excitement when I asked the question again. And they had a great summer camp experience! v

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree; she is a freelance writer and mother of twins and a daughter.