Listen when they explain the activities you are about to do, because then you’ll have more fun.

Gigi S. 
Camper
Camp Highlander
2 Years

Always ask questions. That is not only for school. They will understand you don't know what to do, and they will help you.

Margaret S.
Camper
Camp Ozark
2 Years

After picking up the kids' from camp, as we are driving away, I ask for packing feedback & requests for the next year. I started doing this after their first summer at camp. Then I put the notes in their trunks after unpacking, before putting them away for the season. When I got the trunks out to start packing for the next summer, there were my notes of tips, ideas, & requests from the prior summer. It was genius! I had forgotten about them completely & they were right there where I would find them when I needed them.

One useful tip is before you leave pre address your letters ( you can get some awesome ones on the website!) What I have found is it's so time consuming to write out people's addresses. Bring some blank ones and a list of everyone's address still but pre-addressing is so useful especially when you don’t know who to write to.

To help your nervous camper prepare for camp, engage him or her in the packing process. This opens up a great opportunity to talk to your child about their feelings while they get ready. And if your kiddo is not ready to share feelings, you can ask positive questions about what they’re most looking forward to doing when they get there.

Debra P. 
Parent of a Camper
Independent Lake Camp
2 Years