CAMP GUIDE
Home away from home
Although camp is a time to develop
new skills, have fun, gain
independence, and experience
new wonders, the camping experience
is also one of the fi rst times that many
children will be away from home for
an extended period.
In order to lead a more happy and
productive camp life, children need to
develop a positive self-image, the feeling
that “I am somebody,” before they
go to the fi rst day of camp, and that’s
your job as the parent.
The following ideas can help foster
self-esteem in children:
Level with children. Don’t talk
down to a young person; instead, put
yourself at eye level with a child. It can
often minimize a problem, as well as
make the child feel equal.
Let children make decisions. For
example, early participation in health
care decisions such as, “Do you want
liquid medicine or tablets?” lessens a
child’s feeling of powerlessness, and
can foster an intelligent consumer attitude
in children.
Value rules. The purpose of rules
is to help people get along with each
other and, in turn, feel good about
Sit down and talk with your child, making sure to listen and let him voice his feelings.
themselves. The best rules are written
during calm times with the participation
of the child.
Show the child you understand.
Share your childhood memories. Children
COURIER L 38 IFE, FEB. 22–28, 2019 M BR B G
need to know that their parents
had trouble learning things, too. By
showing understanding, you will help
your child become more confi dent.
Develop your own self-esteem.
Parents need to feel valued and selfconfi
dent before they can help their
children develop self-esteem. Parents
should try to show their children that
they don’t have to have it all together
all the time to feel good about themselves.
Children need to feel that they
are special in and outside of camp.
Parents have the advantage at home,
because they can tailor the environment
to what the child needs and
wants. The following activities will
help create some memorable one-onone
times between a parent and child:
• Keep a notepad ready to jot down
ideas of special things to do with each
of your children.
• Take your young child to the grocery
store. Talk about prices, and let
him pick out one thing to buy.
• Help your child make a scrapbook
of a trip or something that he enjoys.
• Save the child’s drawings and colorful
paintings and use them in decorative
ways.
• Sit with your child and discuss
how you and he can make this day or
this weekend better. Focus on your
child’s strengths, not weaknesses.
When packing for a camp, you
should receive information
on policies and procedures
before your child is ready to go.
The following checklist should
help you decide what you do or
don’t need to pack:
Bedding: Sleeping bags, sheets,
blankets, and pillows are usually
the camper’s responsibility. Most
beds are twin size or smaller and
may be bunk style. Some camps
supply linens.
Towels: Usually supplied by
the camper.
Clothing: Most camps supply
a list of recommended clothing
that varies with the climate. Be
sure to pack long pants (for hikes
and horseback riding) as well as
shorts. Comfortable, durable shoes
are a must, while special footwear
is advisable for certain activities
(tennis, hiking, and horseback riding).
Use a permanent marker or
name tags to identify your child’s
belongings. Some camps require
campers to wear uniforms. Some
camps will furnish the uniforms,
while others will provide you with
ordering information.
Toiletries: A small bag can be
handy for toiletries if a camper
has to walk to a separate building
for showering and bathing. It is
wise to pack sunscreen, lip balm,
insect repellent, soap, toothpaste
and toothbrush, shampoo, a hairbrush
and comb, and deodorant (if
your child uses it).
Laundry: Generally, sessions
under two weeks don’t include
laundry service. You might send a
pillow case or laundry bag to store
dirty clothing.
Equipment: Camps usually provide
items such as oars, life jackets,
and craft materials, but check
with the camp to be sure. The
camper may want to bring a tennis
racquet, musical instrument, or
backpack. Don’t pack radios, televisions,
portable CD players, stereos,
food, or hunting knives.
Spending money: Camps have
different policies on children
bringing spending money. Some
have stores that sell T-shirts, film,
candy, and other items. Check with
the camp staff.
Medicine: Any medication
should be properly labeled in
its original container with dosage
instructions and given to the
camp’s medical personnel for safe
keeping.
Insurance: Camper health and
accident insurance may be provided
by the camp. You might be
asked to bring information on family
health and accident coverage.
Be sure to ask the camp director
if there are additional charges for
insurance.
Getting your child
packed for camp
Make a checklist to help pack for camp.