Happy Campers

Tips to help kids with their first camp experience. 

School’s almost out. You found the perfect day camp for your little artist, swimmer or scientist, but you’re worried because camp is unfamiliar territory. Help prepare your child for what’s ahead with these tips to make a first camp experience a positive one. 

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe: The Basics

• Have children memorize their full name, address and a parent’s cell phone number before camp begins.
• Many day camps require closed-toe shoes and many activities need kids to get shoes on and off quickly. Practice tying shoelaces. If your little one hasn’t mastered this skill before camp starts, consider a pair of Velcro shoes. Do trial runs until they master 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 well. Following directions is vital to keep everyone safe and having fun. Practice active listening skills by asking your child to follow multi-step directions and directions following sequential order. 
• Review camp policies posted online before camp begins to help prepare for expectations. Note that children who pout until getting their way may not be ready for camp.
• Practice simple, direct responses to communicate dissatisfaction when necessary. Such as, “I don’t like that. Don’t do it again.” 
• Children should know how (and be willing) to ask for help when needed. If he has a special need, let camp staff know ahead of time. Kids and staff can even agree on a signal to get a staff member’s attention. 
• Have kids practice asking for what they want (politely). Manners go a long way. You’ve taught your children “please” and “thank you” — be sure they say these important phrases without your cue. 

C Is for Cookie: Make Lunch Stress-Free

• Packaging often poses a problem for little fingers. Practice opening wrappers and containers at home. 
• Hand-washing is sure to be emphasized, but if it makes you more comfortable, ask camp staff ahead of time if hand wipes, sanitizer or placemats are allowed in lunchboxes. Practice using these items at home to model expectations.
• One in 13 children has a food allergy — it’s likely that someone at camp will too. Swapping snacks sounds like fun, but it’s not safe for many kids. Cross-contamination can pose a big problem for kids allergic to nuts or gluten. Teach children not to share food and to respect other people’s space by not touching their lunchbox and food. 
• Stop yourself the next time you start to clean up after your kids. Teach children how to sort trash from recyclables, throw items in proper bins and most importantly, not to expect adults to clean up after them. Part of being successful, happy campers is for kids to help out and do their part.

You’ve Got a Friend in Me: Social Skills Essentials

For many first-time campers, enrolling with a buddy helps ease jitters. But it’s important to gain the confidence and skills to make new friends. Review and roleplay skills that show openness to making friends: 

• Practice how to greet someone new. Make eye contact and smile.
• When someone says “hi,” teach children to reply, even if they feel shy. Not responding may be misconstrued that a child doesn’t want to be friends.
• Teach children to take turns.
• Discuss the idea that not everyone has to be friends — especially if your child is a people-pleaser.

By Cherie Gough