Cherie Gough
HAPPY CAMPERS Tips to help children with their first camp experience
After months of quarantine, your
kids are probably excited to get outside and enjoy being with peers at summer camp. While you’re also ready for a bit of freedom, you may be worried to send your little camper to unfamiliar territory. Help prepare kids with these tips to make his first camp experience a positive one.
The Basics • Have children memorize their full name, address and a parent’s phone number before camp begins. • Many day camps require closed-toe shoes and may need kids to get shoes on and off quickly. Practice tying shoelaces; if your little one hasn’t mastered this skill before camp
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starts, consider a pair of Velcro shoes. Do trial runs until he masters getting shoes on and off in a timely manner. Practice makes perfect! • Children should be able to zip their own pants and sweatshirts (or wear pull-ons so they are self-sufficient). Teach them to tie a sweatshirt around their waist. • Apply sunscreen before leaving for camp; children who attend full-day camp should know how and when to reapply.
Practice Active Listening and Assertive Communication • Be sure your child listens to and follows directions. This year
especially, camps will emphasize health and safety. Following directions is vital to keeping everyone safe while having fun. Practice active listening skills by asking kids to follow multi-step directions following sequential order. • Review camp rules together before camp starts to help manage expectations. Note that a child who pouts until he gets his way may not be ready for camp. • Practice simple, direct responses to communicate dissatisfaction if and when necessary. Such as, “I don’t like that. Don’t do it again.” If an annoying or inappropriate behavior continues from another child, ask a camp counselor for help.
