Home away from home
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
2019
CAMP GUIDE
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
at THE SCHOOL AT THE MARK MORRIS DANCE CENTER
Programs for all levels and abilities. With live musical accompaniment.
Workshops Weekly Classes
For Teens 13-18 For Ages 6-12
For Ages
18 months - 6 years
Dance Camps
markmorrisdancegroup.org/summer-dance
3 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY LIRR; B25, 26, 37, 38, 41, 45, 52, 63, 67, or 103 Bus
COURIER L 34 IFE, FEB. 22–28, 2019 PS
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.
Getting your child
packed for camp
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.
Sit down and talk with your child, making sure to listen and let him voice his feelings.
/summer-dance