Hey, Camp Parents!
Deciding when the time is right for your child to attend summer camp is a decision that often relies on intuition and keen observation. Christopher Thurber and Jon Malinowski, summer camp experts and authors of ‘The Summer Camp Handbook’, emphasize that children themselves are the best judges of when they are ready for camp.
Has Your Child Asked about Camp?
When kids express spontaneous interest in attending camp or show excitement after seeing camp brochures or hearing about camp from friends, it's often a good indicator that the time is right.
Thurber and Malinowski recommend that children be at least 7 years old before spending a week or more at overnight camp. However, there are individual differences in children's preferences, maturity, and ability to tolerate separation from home, so some children may be ready at a slightly younger or older age. It's essential to choose a camp where your child's age group is well represented among other campers to ensure a positive experience.
How Long Will They be Gone?
The length of the camp session is another factor to consider. Shorter sessions, such as one week, can provide children with a sense of belonging and independence, while longer sessions may offer deeper friendships and program involvement. Parents should also consider their child's experience with previous separations from home, as well as their child's attitude towards camp.
Families experiencing stressful events or transitions may want to postpone camp enrollment until things have settled down. Parents should monitor their own attitudes and behaviors, as children are sensitive to their parents' emotions. Providing positive support and encouragement can help alleviate any concerns your child may have about attending camp.
Ultimately, the decision to send your child to camp should be a collaborative one between you and your child. Going to camp should be something your child WANTS to do. Discuss any concerns or fears your child may have. And if you and your child are unsure about camp, you can always wait until the next year to see if they’re feeling more ready.
And if the decision is a yes, your child is going to have lots of fun adventures and make new friends! Till next time, Camp Folks. Thanks for reading and, as always, Happy Camping!
- John