Is my kid ready for Camp?
“I’m nervous to send my kid to overnight Camp” “Do you think my first-time camper will have fun?” “My kid is going to Camp alone, will they make friends?” .... “ Is my kid ready for Camp?”
I hear these questions a lot as Summer Camp Director. Most parents and caregivers have similar questions and feelings when they are making the decision whether to send their kid to summer camp.
Most commonly, caregivers ask if their kid of a certain age is ready. We start camp at age 7, so the simple answer could be “kids are ready for camp at 7!” And sure, some are. Others aren’t. Some kids are ready at 10, some at 13. Some aren’t ready until a sibling or friend can go with them to camp.
The truth is, only you and your camper know when they are ready to stay away from home for a week or more. Below, I have shared some guiding questions that can help you and your kid decide if camp is a good fit for them this summer. The questions aren't pass/fail questions but great conversation starters!
- Can your camper handle their hygiene routines independently? Can they brush their teeth, shower, toilet on their own? Our counselors will give them reminders, help their cabin create a shower schedule, and braid their hair. But your camper should be able to handle these tasks on their own.
- How have they handled previous overnight experiences away from home? Sleepovers at friends' houses, grandparents', or school trips can all give clues as to how your camper will do at sleepaway camp. And, yes, it’s a big step to go from 1 - 2 nights away from home to 5 - 13 nights, but we find that kids who can get through the first night of camp on their own are very likely to stay at camp the full week (and not want to go home by the end!)
- If they have never been away from home for 1 or 2 nights, how do they do at day camp or other activities without you?
- How do they handle new situations? It doesn’t have to be handled perfectly. It might happen with emotions or tears, but are they able to work through new situations and big feelings? Have they shown perseverance and resiliency in new environments?
- Do they want to make friends? If yes, then they will make friends!
Finally, and what I think is the most important, do they want to be at camp? Camp is awesome, and kids love it. We play, create, explore, dance, and laugh for most of the day at camp. If kids want to be here, then they are very likely to be successful at camp and have tons of fun. Again, this doesn’t have to be perfect. They may want to be at camp and also feel nervous. They might feel excited one day and sad when they think about being away from you for so long. All of this is okay, and where a lot of growth happens (for both kids and adults!).
If you're still not sure whether your camper is ready, please give me a call or email, and let’s talk about it. No gimmicky sales pitch - just a camp director who genuinely wants to help you make the best decision for this summer.
Hope to see you this summer,
Nicole Lauhon “Strawberry”, 805-924-4002
