24 FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2018 BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP
Ready for camp?
Tips for Preparing for the perfect camp experience
Camp, especially summer
camp, has become an American
tradition. Generations of
families have gone to camp – making
new friends and lifelong memories.
For parents of fi rst-time campers,
preparing for camp is an exciting
and new adventure. It’s important to
consider all aspects of the camp experience
– how to mentally prepare
campers prior to camp, what to pack
and how to help ease homesickness.
The American Camp Association®
(ACA) suggests keeping the following
in mind as parents begin to prepare
their children, and themselves, for
camp:
• Camp provides an opportunity
for children to explore a much larger
world, offering a chance to practice
normal, healthy separation. This
allows children to develop autonomy
and a stronger sense of self, make new
friends and develop new social skills.
• Camp decisions, like what to
pack, should be made together. When
children feel that they are part of the
decision-making process, they are
more comfortable.
• Parents shouldn’t be afraid to let
their children talk about the upcoming
camp experience. It expresses
confi dence in the child’s ability to
handle being away from home.
• Families can remind the child
of other times they have been away
from home successfully — sleepovers
with friends or family, etc.
• Most of all, it’s important for
children and parents to maintain realistic
expectations. Parents should
encourage realistic views of what
camp will be like, discussing both
the high points and the low points
children may experience. When
packing for camp, families need to
avoid either packing too much, or not
enough. Parents should check with
their individual camp for specifi c
camp packing lists, however here
are a few guidelines to keep in mind
when packing for camp:
• Parents should consider packing
items to protect a camper from the
sun. Remember to pack items such as
scarves, bandanas, baseball caps or a
sunhat, as well as needed eyeglasses,
sunglasses and swimming goggles.
• Clothing is a necessary
component of camp, just don’t expect
any to return home clean!
• Don’t forget to pack T-shirts, a
swim suit and shorts for hot days; a
jacket, sweatshirt and jeans for cool
or cold days; and a raincoat or poncho
for rainy days. Also, long pants will
protect a camper from poison ivy,
bugs and thorns during hikes. Check
with the camp to see if dress clothes
are required.
• Appropriate footwear is one of
the most important items to pack
for children at camp, especially
when they are hiking, spelunking,
running and heading to the beach.
Families should consider packing
boots, tennis shoes, sandals, lots of
socks — – and dress shoes, if the camp
requires them. Remember that shoes
should be broken in prior to the start
of camp.
• Don’t forget to pack the basics –
especially if children are attending
resident camp. Items such as towels,
a blanket, pillow, pillow cases, sheets,
sleeping bag, laundry bag and mattress
pad may be required. Bathroom
kits are essential. Families should
pack a brush and comb, shampoo,
soap and soap container, toothbrush
and holder, toothpaste, deodorant,
insect repellent, feminine products,
sun block, shaving gear and lip balm
with sunblock in it.
• Families should also pack additional
items including books and
magazines, fl ashlights and batteries,
Frisbees or other toys, a water
bottle and writing materials. When
considering electronics, musical
instruments and other special gear,
check with the camp about policies.
Once children are packed and ready
for camp, families may be worried
about homesickness. Research
indicates that mild homesickness is
normal, and only a small percentage
of cases are severe. Families can help
children overcome homesickness by
exercising a little preparation and
patience. Some tips include:
• Practicecing separations, such as
sleepovers at a friend’s house, prior
to camp.
• Make children part of the decision
process – including what to
pack. The more that children are
involved, the more comfortable they
will feel being at camp.
• Discuss phone calls home ahead
of time. If your child’s camp has a nophone
calls policy, honor it.
• Send a care package or letter to arrive
on the fi rst day. Acknowledge, in
a positive way, that you will miss your
child. For example, you can say “I am
going to miss you, but I know that you
will have a good time at camp.”
• Pack a personal item from home,
such as a stuffed animal. Don’t feel
guilty about encouraging your child
to stay at camp. For many children,
camp is a fi rst step toward independence
and plays an important role in
their growth and development.
For additional information and
tips, families can visit www.Camp-
Parents.org, ACA’s family resource
site. ACA’s Find A Camp search
allows families to look for a camp
based on region, activity, cultural
focus, budget, session length and
much more! In addition, families
can follow ACA on Facebook and
Twitter for helpful hints and camp
information.
©2010 American Camping Association,
Inc.
The American Camp Association®
(ACA) works to preserve, promote,
and enhance the camp experience for
children and adults. ACA-Accredited®
camp programs ensure that children
are provided with a diversity of
educational and developmentally
challenging learning opportunities.
There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited
camps that meet up to 300 health and
safety standards. For more information,
visit www. CampParents.org.