Hey, Camp Parents!

Research shows children reap emotional, social, and physical benefits from attending summer camp.

So as a parent, you can give your children two gifts. The first is to send them to camp and the second is to prepare them for it so they are more likely to have the best possible experience.

The thought of sending a child away overnight for the first time can cause panic for both you and your child, but you can lessen the anxiety by following a few steps:

•  Practice for it.
•  Build independence.
•  Talk about it.
•  Involve your child.

Practice for it
A family camping trip is a good way to get your child used to sleeping out in nature and away from the comforts of home. Make it fun by bringing plenty to do. Go fishing, pitch horseshoes, and go on a hike. At night, build a campfire and roast s’mores. Your child will forever connect the taste of chocolate and marshmallow with having fun out in nature. At night, stare at the stars in the night sky.

As a dry run, you could even pitch a tent in the backyard and sleep out there before you take a real camping trip away from home. This is good practice for teaching them to sleep in a sleeping bag, rather than a bed. Leave all the electronic devices – cell phones, iPods, and iPads – at home. Your child will have to get used to that, too.

Part of success at summer camp depends on children learning to be away from parents. Set up sleepovers at other people’s houses, such as your child’s grandparents and one of his or her friends. The fun had away from home will reduce your child’s fear.

Build independence
Help your child build a feeling of independence before he leaves for camp. One way to do this is by giving your child responsibilities such as making her bed, cleaning her room, or making a simple meal or snack for herself. Hold your child accountable for completing these tasks, because at camp she will be required to help out and clean up.

Allow your child to make as many decisions as possible leading up to camp. On that camping trip, allow him to choose some of the activities the family engages in.

Think about the things your children will have to do at camp without you, and allow them to do these things without your help. Your daughter should brush her long hair by herself. It might end up a bit tangled, but that’s OK. Let your son pick out his own clothes for the day, even if it’s not the outfit you would choose for him.

Teach your children what they need to know and allow them to do those things themselves. At many camps, your child will be able to send you mail but not communicate electronically. Have your child write a letter to a relative, and ask her to address and stamp the envelope.

Talk about it
Your child will feel better about camp if you discuss it with him in detail and answer all his questions. Begin the conversations as far in advance as possible.

If your child is apprehensive, let her know it is normal to be a little scared of new situations, but she will feel better once she gets there, meets people and starts having fun. Ask your child about his fears and reassure him that the other kids will feel that way, but he or she will adjust. Your child will pick up on your emotional state, so project a positive attitude. If you feel good about it, she will likely feel good about it. Be calm and create an environment where your child feels comfortable expressing her concerns and approaching you with questions. Don’t tell your child how much you’ll miss him. Tell him how much fun he will have.

Find out what you can about day-to-day life at the camp. What will your child do each day? How many other kids will be there? How many counselors? What and where will they eat? Where will they go to the bathroom? Discuss all these questions with your child. Make a list of questions with your child for camp staff, and get answers as soon as possible. Reducing the unknown will make your child feel better about what’s to come.

For younger children, choose a book about a child who goes to summer camp, read it together, and talk about it afterward. How does your child feel about it? Older children might enjoy a funny summer camp movie as a conversation starter.

Work out a communication plan. Learn camp policies on phone use and mail, and explain to your child how often he or she will be able to communicate with you and what form that will take.

Involve your child
Make preparation for camp something you do together with your child every step of the way. That includes decision about which camp to attend and looking at the camp website and other promotional materials together. This helps build excitement and makes your child feel more invested in the decision to go.

Begin shopping and packing early. When shopping together, allow your daughter to pick out the swimsuit with the crazy colors or the Three Cheers for Girls Beach Towel and Bag Set. The more you get done early, the less stressful it will be in the days leading up to leaving. So get movin’ now so you won’t have to later and, as always, thank for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Parents!

Shopping for your child is much easier when you are both home together than when he or she is many miles away in the woods or mountains for summer camp. That’s why it’s important for your children to pack everything they’ll need for this summer experience.

Here are 10 of the most forgotten items when packing for camp:

Medication
Your child’s camp will probably have a list available of items to bring, but it won’t include any specific medications your child takes. That’s why this is an easy one to miss.

Bathroom products
This is another easy one to forget because the camp list might say something such as “toiletries” that will not be broken into individual items such as “toothbrush” and “soap.” This is especially true if your child is older because a teenager will want to bring more of these kinds of things, such as deodorant.

Batteries and chargers
Camps may have different rules about cell phones and other small electronic devices, but there is a good chance your child could use a flashlight and maybe other battery-operated devices in places where there is no electricity. At some summer camps there might be access to electricity, but you would be surprised by how many teenagers would forget a charger despite being gadget-obsessed.

Camera
Because so many people, including children, are used to carrying a camera around in their pocket as part of their phone, they forget that they when the phone is left behind, so is the camera. A disposable camera is great for your child to record memories and experiences when they can’t have their phone. Waterproof options are also available.

Something else to do
When the hikes, horseback rides and games are over, and your child has an hour before bedtime with nothing scheduled, what will she do? Make sure your child packs a book or a journal.

Sunscreen and hats
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 2 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Don’t forget a hat and high-level (at least SPF 30) sunscreen to protect your child’s skin. One thing you can count on at summer camp is at least some sun.

Insect repellent
No matter where your camp is located, there will be creepy-crawly creatures of some sort your child rather see at a distance. Mosquitos are a particular problem because of how common they are and how itchy their bites become.

Warm blankets/sleeping bag
Your child’s camp packing list will list bedding, but might not give you the specific information you need to make sure your child is warm enough. Many camps are in higher-elevation locations where it gets cold at night. Be sure to check the average temperatures. Your child will enjoy his experience more if he’s comfortable and gets a full night’s sleep.

Robes and shower shoes
Shower shoes are a great idea to protect your child’s feet from germs around the shower or the pool. A good pair, such as Showaflops, will be comfortable and textured to keep feet from sliding.

Adequate rain gear
Most parents send rain gear to camp with their child, but not necessarily good rain gear. Nothing is more miserable than being wet, cold and a long way from being able to get dry.

So make sure your camper is fully prepared when you send them off for their summer stay at camp and, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Families!

All parents want their children to get the most out of the camp experience when they send them off for the summer. And choosing the right camp has a lot to do with it. With no shortage of camps to look into, it may be difficult to know where to jump in. A good way to start is to consider what location will be best. Where do you want to send your camper?—geographically speaking. You’ll need to sit down with your child to go over the choices and gauge which option seems preferable.

It pretty much breaks down into two choices: Attend a summer camp that’s close to home or travel to one that’s far away? And, if it’s a viable option for your family, you can also present the choice of attending a camp that’s far from home but in the same area as close relatives. Each of these choices has their own benefits. Consider the aspects of these options when you talk about it with your kid. And keep in mind that homesickness can be an issue whether your camp is 20 miles from home or 2000. It’s not about the distance; it’s about being away.

Camping Close
• You’ll have an easier (and cheaper) time traveling for evaluations and Visiting Days, as well as Opening and Closing Day.
• If your camp isn’t too far, you might be able to find parents you know who have experience with this camp.
• You may be able to apply for an in-state tuition discount.
• Maybe cabin mates will be neighborhood friends (which can be a good or bad thing—see how your kid feels about the idea).
• Mail will only take a couple days to get to camp.

Sending your child to a nearby summer camp can give you a feeling of security, but don’t let your relief be the deciding factor unless your camper feels the same way. It’s best to simply ask, “Do you want to travel far for camp or would you rather go somewhere that’s closer to home?” It’s probably a smart idea to sit down with a map when you talk to your kid; you may discover that your kid’s definition of ‘far’ doesn’t even leave the state.

Traveling Far
• Your list of camps to choose from grows incredibly bigger (once again, this can be a good or bad thing—it depends on how you are at decision-making).
• A long trip builds anticipation and can add to the sense of adventure for kids—especially teenagers.
• A distant camp might expose your camper to a new environment where they can see mountains, lakes, snow, warm temperatures, an ocean—if your finances permit, maybe even a whole different country!
• A distant location might inspire a fun family vacation when you go to pick up your camper on Closing Day.

Traveling Far with Nearby Family
Attending a camp that’s far from home but near grandparents, aunts and uncles, older siblings, or any other close relative is another option for you and your kid. Of course, you’ll need to confirm that these relatives would be so kind to help your camper out in some emergency situation or even just arranging to pick your camper up and drop them off at an airport or greyhound station. This option accommodates the wishes of both you and your camper if your kid wants to travel but you’re concerned about them being all alone in a faraway place.

Aside from how far you travel for summer camp, you should also take into account the geographic features that certain areas have to offer over others. For instance, the east and west coasts are perfect for snorkeling and SCUBA diving. And you’ll want to check out the Rocky Mountains if your camper’s mainly interested in skiing or snowboarding. Think about the climate, landscape, and bodies of water necessary for your camper to do the activities they’re passionate about. Enjoy figuring out what locations will be best with your camper and narrow down where they’ll be going next summer.

As always, thanks for reading, Folks!

- John

Hey, Camp Parents!

There are tons of reasons kids go to summer camp. The most obvious one kids will tell you is because camp is awesome! On top of that, kids will share a myriad of reasons on why they enjoy the summer camp experience. However, while summer campers can give you a million and one reasons on why they go, all their reasons can fit under one of these five definitive and all-encompassing reasons to go to summer camp.

Have fun
Camps are founded on having fun so this reason is the frontrunner. Having fun is the first priority for every kid as well as any good camp. Cabin leaders are typically considered experts of fun—able to derive it from even the most mundane activities like cleaning up around the cabin or gathering firewood. But, while camp staff may be able to create fun from nothing, your camp likely provides an abundance of fun activities, equipment, and facilities (not to mention a bunch of other kids). Go to camp and just TRY to not have fun!

Improve athletic, aesthetic, and intellectual skills
Every parent wants their camper to get the most out of the summer camp experience. Campers are sure to mature in skills of athleticism, intellectualism, and artistry while they’re away. But it’s not all up to your camper. Here are three helpful things you can do to see that your kid doesn’t miss out on any cool learning opportunities at camp.

1) Improvements in these skills take time. Overnight camps are immersive—campers eat, sleep, and breathe camp. Day camps, however, end every day, interrupting the learning process. 2) Make sure the staffers at your camp are good teachers—observe their behavior, like if they set a good example or lose their temper easily. 3) Kids tend to stick to things they know. A camper who likes archery is likely to head straightway to the archery targets. Talk to your camper about trying new things at camp.

Gain Independence
Being away from home is the most influential part of gaining independence. Without parents around, kids become more outgoing and take healthy risks which they otherwise wouldn’t do. Camp gives kids a taste of responsibility which creates an awareness and understanding within the camp community of what needs to be done. This understanding means that campers will do what they need to do without being told to do it and spawns independence.

Make Friends and Develop Social Skills
Camp gives kids a boost of confidence to just be themselves which, in turn, helps make it easy for them to make friends. Some campers may be on the quieter side and find the idea of meeting lots of people to be a stressful situation. But at camp, it’s not hard to make friends. It just happens! The summer camp environment presents campers with a neutral ground to meet one another and, there, they are encouraged to show respect for each other. Getting along with others is essential to summer camp and continues to be a part of your life into adulthood.

Experience a New Natural Environment
There are a lot of things about summer camp that have changed in the last 100 years or so. One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is the focus on the natural environment. After all—it’s summer camp! Getting out into the wilderness is what draws such popularity to camp in the first place. Parents who live in the city often want their kids to experience the wholesome lifestyle in a rural area. While I’m sure we would all agree that advancements in technology have greatly benefited our society, it does seem to reduce kids’ contact with the natural world. Summer camp fixes that!

These are the awesome things summer camp has to offer your kid. Make sure your child is adequately packed and prepared in order for them to reap as much as possible from the summer camp experience. And, as always, thanks for reading, Camp Parents!

- John

Hey, Camp Parents!

Deciding on the best summer camp program for your child is a difficult one. You want to choose a program that is of the highest quality, well-maintained and provides a safe and healthy environment. One of the best ways to do that is to choose a summer camp that is an ACA-Accredited Camp.

What does that mean? It means the camp has completed a review of more than 300 standards, including staff qualifications, training and emergency management. American Camp Association Accreditation also goes beyond state licensing requirements. Each state will ultimately have different licensing requirements for camps. However, with ACA-Accreditation, the standards are uniform and they are recognized as the standards that all camp communities should meet.

Some of those standards include:

• Having an appropriate staff-to-camper ratio. This number will differ according to age groups with younger ones having more staff available.
• Providing goals for camp activities that are developmentally based. The expectations for campers shouldn’t be age or gender based.
• Having emergency transportation available 24/7. You don’t want your child at a sleep away camp where access to the nearest medical facility is hours away.
• Having a top notch first-aid facility along with a staff that is trained in life-saving techniques such as CPR.
• Implementing a staff-screening process.

If you want to find out if the summer camp that you have in mind for your child is ACA-accredited, then you should visit the ACA’s website. You can also find out by telephoning 1-800-428-CAMP. If the camp that you have in mind is not accredited, then you may want to find out why they decided not to go through the accreditation process.

Another important point to keep in mind is that the American Camp Association works in conjunction with the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as the American Red Cross and other youth-service organizations to keep the ACA-Accreditation standards up to date. Their primary goal is to ensure that ACA-Accredited camps:

• Provide healthy, developmentally appropriate activities and educational experiences
• Employ a competent, caring and educated staff
• Allow for learning through discovery

As with anything regarding your child, information is vital. So make sure to research your child’s camp before signing on. Word of mouth and recommendations are always helpful, but it’s also important to take the research further and explore accreditation. And, as always, thanks for reading, Parents.

- John