Getting Ready For Summer Youth Camps

Summer Youth Camps can be a wonderful experience, but like any other vacation, it takes planning, discussion, and preparation. You will want to make summer camp decisions as a family, letting your child play a major role in the decision. As you do make that decision, there are several things you should consider.

It is important to let your child be involved in the summer youth camp decision. Let them decide what kind of camp they want to attend. Are they interested in sports, the outdoors, or music? The more involved they are in the decision, the more connected they will feel to the camp, and the more enthusiastic he will be to go. Another way to get them involved – let them pack. The camp will send guidelines as to what they need to bring. Help them follow those guidelines, but let them choose what they want to bring. If they need gear like a flashlight, sleeping bag, or swim suit, take them to get new ones. It will give them an extra little confidence boost.

Summer youth camps are offered as day programs and overnight programs. When deciding which form is best for your child consider their age and how well they handle staying over at friends houses. If they are old enough to stay over, but they routinely call you to come get them at 3:00 a.m., overnight camps may not be the best option yet. Also consider how well your child interacts with people they don't know. Will he ask adults for help? Does he make friends easily? The answers to these questions will also help you determine whether or not a day or overnight program is appropriate for your child.

Make sure that your child is prepared mentally for their summer youth camp. Show your child brochures, the camp website, or videos of the camp. If you know other children that have attended the same camp, give your child the opportunity to ask them about it. The more information they have, the better they are going to feel. Also, it may help if there are other children from your area that are attending that same camp. You don't necessarily want your child’s best friend attending camp with them, but some familiar faces will make them feel more at home.

Talk to your child about what they can do if they feel a little homesick. Talk about the options that he will have like writing home, calling home, and talking to the counselors. You can help him feel better by packing some pre-stamped postcards and a disposable camera. He can send you postcards whenever he is feeling a little down, and he can take pictures to share with you once he is back home. These simple activities can help him feel a little more connected to home. You should also send him lots of letters while he is at summer youth camp. Hearing from you and seeing the pictures you send will make him feel better. If you child is comfortable taking personal items, you can send him with his favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or family picture.

Get as much information as you can and help your child prepare for their new and exciting experience. Youth summer camp will be something that they will never forget, and an adventure they will want to have over and over for summers to come.

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