Mental Prep for Camp: Helping Your First-Time Camper Feel Ready to Go

2. Talk About Emotions

Encourage your child to talk about their feelings, whether they’re excited or nervous about meeting new friends. Validating their emotions can help them feel more at ease about engaging with others.

Here are some tips to help get your camper talking:

• Push Exploration: Ask deeper questions like “What was the best part of your day?” to help them reflect and express themselves.
• Follow-Up Questions: Build on their answers to dig deeper—“What do you think made you feel that way?”
• Acknowledge Their Feelings: Let them express nervousness. Be supportive and open about your own childhood experiences.
• Share Coping Strategies: Practice deep breaths, journaling, or packing a small comfort item.

Help them set realistic expectations about friendships at camp. Remind them that it's normal to feel nervous but that most campers are eager to make new friends too!

3. Create a Communication Plan

Since many camps typically limit or prohibit phone calls and texting, written letters become the primary means of correspondence. Handwritten letters are cherished by campers, as they provide a tangible reminder of home and show that parents care about their well-being.

To keep the lines of communication friendly and supportive, parents should focus on writing upbeat and encouraging letters. Share positive news from home and ask open-ended questions to invite responses, which can help foster a sense of connection.

• Set Clear Expectations: Talk about how often you’ll write and what they can expect from you.
• Practice Letter Writing: Help them write a few letters before camp begins.
• Pack Stamped Envelopes: Make it easy for them to write you while they’re there.

By prioritizing thoughtful, heartfelt communication, parents can strengthen their bond with their camper and contribute positively to their overall camp experience!

4. Foster Independence

Daily self-care is a big leap for many first-time campers. Take time to talk through these routines now so they don’t feel foreign later. Showering, brushing teeth, changing clothes, and managing dirty laundry—these aren’t just chores, they’re confidence-builders.

• Practice Self-Care: Brushing teeth, making beds, folding clothes—all give confidence.
• Give Them Choices: Let them pick clothes or pack their toiletries.
• Ask for Help: Role-play scenarios where they’d need to speak up.
• Follow Multi-Step Directions: Build something together or bake a recipe to practice listening and execution.

If your camper isn’t used to doing these things on their own, practice them together for a few weeks before camp. Consider using a simple visual checklist they can pack along for reference. And remember: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s comfort and familiarity. You want them to hear the words “time to get ready for bed” and think, I know exactly what to do.

5. Learning the Layout or Schedule of Camp

Familiarity breeds comfort. One of the easiest ways to reduce pre-camp anxiety is to help your camper feel like they already know the lay of the land. If your camp offers an open house or preview day, take full advantage. Walking around the campgrounds, seeing the bunks, and meeting some of the staff can make the unknown feel far less intimidating.

If an in-person visit isn’t possible, check the camp’s website for virtual tours, photos, or sample schedules. Sit down with your child and explore the site together. Point out where they'll sleep, where they'll eat, where the bathrooms are, and where activities happen. Even a printed map on the fridge can be a handy visual cue that builds confidence over time.

6. Encourage Friendships

Making friends is a pivotal aspect of their overall experience at camp. And, before camp even begins, parents can prepare their campers by discussing the importance of friendships and teaching them essential social skills, like introducing themselves and actively listening to others.

Once at camp, parents can encourage their child to engage in group activities and be open to meeting new people. It’s helpful for parents to remind their campers that many others are also looking to make friends, so starting conversations can be a fun and rewarding experience. 

• Encourage Team Spirit: Camp is all about collaboration. Emphasize the joy of shared effort and play.
• Practice Introductions: Rehearse “Hi, I’m ______!” and starting small talk.
• Bring Shared Items: Pack games, art supplies, or a frisbee to share and connect.
• Practice Inclusiveness: Teach them how to invite others in and be a welcoming camper.
• Be a Good Friend: Help them understand support, kindness, and encouragement make them magnetic to new friendships.

By fostering an environment of excitement and openness about friendships, parents can help their children create lasting memories and friendships to get the full effect of their summer camp experience!