As summer approaches, kids begin counting the days until the end of the school year. And the excitement of summer break sets in. Activities like riding bikes, swimming, enjoying the outdoors and spending time with family and friends become the highlight of the season.
Many parents also consider sending their kids to summer camps during this time. These camps can vary widely, from a few hours a day to full-day programs or overnight experiences located hours away. If you’re thinking about sending your child to an overnight camp, it’s essential to assess whether they’re ready. Then, ensure they’re prepared for their time away.
How To Tell if Your Child Is Ready
Assessing your child's readiness for an overnight camp involves considering their age, emotional maturity and independence. These factors can all significantly affect their experience.
Here are some important questions to ask yourself to help decide:
- Have they expressed an interest? Gauge your child's interest in going to overnight camp. If they express excitement and ask questions about what it will be like, that’s a positive sign.
- Have they ever been to a sleepover? Consider whether your child has had successful sleepovers at friends’ houses. If they managed to stay overnight and enjoyed it, they may be better prepared for an overnight camp. Here are some tips for deciding whether your child is ready for a sleepover.
- How independent is your child? Assess how comfortable your child is being away from you. And whether they can do their routines on their own. Independence can show readiness.
- How are they in group settings? If your child is able to make friends easily and is comfortable in group settings, they may adapt well to the social environment of an overnight camp.
- Can they control their emotions? Evaluate how your child deals with emotions like homesickness or anxiety. If they can share their feelings and handle them in a healthy way, they might be ready.
- What is their sleep routine like? Asses your child’s sleep routine. Do they have a regular sleep schedule? And can they sleep away from home without difficulty? A positive sleep experience can help ease their transition to camp.
- Do they enjoy new experiences? Watch for signs that your child is eager to try new things. If they show excitement about learning new skills or meeting new people, it’s a good indication they may be ready for camp.
- How are their communication skills? Good communication skills are essential. If your child can speak their feelings, ask questions and express concerns, they’ll navigate the camp experience more effectively.
These questions can help you make an informed choice about whether your child is emotionally and socially ready for an overnight camp experience.
Your Child Is Ready for Overnight Camp — What’s Next?
Once you’ve decided that your child is ready to have some summer fun away, consider the following as you plan for their overnight camp experience.
- Find a camp that piques their interest. Understand the activities offered. If your child is interested in the activities at camp, such as swimming, hiking or crafts, this can motivate them to embrace the experience. There are also camps focused on music, dance or science.
- Consider the number of nights away. Some overnight camps are just one night, while others may span the entire week. Additionally, some camps offer a mid-week check-in for parents, allowing them to assess whether their child wants to stay for the full week. Choose the duration that best meets your child’s comfort level.
- See if they want to go with a friend. Some kids enjoy sharing their first overnight camp experience with a friend. Having a friend at camp removes the extra pressure to make new friends, especially if your child is shy.
- Understand the rules. Ensuring you and your child understand the rules of the overnight camp is also critical. Some camps are technology-free and may not allow calls or texts home. Others allow care packages and letters. Have conversations with your child about camp expectations.
- Schedule a sleepover beforehand. If your child hasn’t yet had a sleepover or if it's been some time, consider having them practice being away from home by scheduling an overnight sleepover at a friend’s house.
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How To Prepare
Having a plan and helping prepare your child for a night or week away can significantly ease their transition, instill confidence and enhance their experience.
The week before camp:
- Have conversations about what to expect. Talk about the activities your child might take part in. Describe the environment they'll be in and who they’ll spend time with. Rehearse certain routines. If their overnight camp allows communication with parents, set up a schedule so they know when they'll hear from you.
- Involve them in the planning process. Ask them what they’d like to pack. Encourage them to select a few favorite items, such as a stuffed animal or book. Create a list together to make sure they don't forget anything important. Involving them in this process will instill confidence in their ability to prepare for the adventure ahead.
- Encourage a positive mindset. Share stories of your own adventures away from home and focus on the fun aspects of spending time with others. Remind your child that it’s natural to feel a bit nervous.
- Send a care package or letter. Start sending letters or care packages ahead of time. This will ensure your child has new mail to open the first few nights of camp. Consider hiding a special family picture or notes of encouragement in your child’s suitcase.
The first day of camp:
- Communicate concerns. If your child has worries or nighttime fears, make sure the camp counselor is aware. Counselors are trained to help children cope with being homesick or scared.
- Maintain a cheerful outlook. Show your own excitement about camp even if you’re having some worries of your own. Your upbeat attitude about a new overnight experience can be contagious.
- Provide reassurance. Remind your child when you'll return to pick them up. Talk through any questions they may have. And be sure they know who to go to if they become scared or uncomfortable.
Summer Planning for Kids With Special Health Care Needs
If your child has a special health care need, there are a variety of opportunities for them to participate in enriching summer activities, too.
- Are you looking for day camp or overnight camp? Both are offered depending upon your child’s age and developmental needs.
- There are special camps for kids who have diagnoses like cancer, heart disease or developmental disabilities. These special camps help kids just be kids and put the focus on their abilities rather than disabilities. They also have counselors with special training and medical staff support that makes a big difference.
- For kids with a higher level of support needed, there are respite camps. These opportunities help kids with disabilities experience the outdoors in smaller groups with a higher level of individualized care.
- There are special camps for sibling too. These camps offer siblings the chance to spend time away from home and have a shared experience with other campers whose siblings have disabilities. It’s that added level of empathy and support that makes these camps so special.
- If paying for camp is a concern, some can potentially be funded with the Children’s Wisconsin Long-Term Support Program or Wisconsin Shares.
Overnight camps can be a thrilling experience for many children. Evaluating whether your child is emotionally and socially prepared for such an adventure is essential. Being proactive and involving them in the decision and preparation lays a solid foundation for their confidence and readiness to embrace new adventures. But remember, summer fun doesn't have to involve staying away from home. There are numerous alternative ways to make the most of summer break if your child isn’t interested or ready to spend the night away.
