How to Decide When Your Child is Ready for Camp

Children are ready for new experiences at different stages. Parents know their children best and these questions can help guage whether this is the summer your child will start camp.

What is your child’s age? Children under age 7 may not adjust easily to being away from home. Consider the day camp experience to prepare them for future overnight camps.

How did your child become interested in camp? Does your child talk about camp on a sustained basis? How much persuasion is necessary from you?

Has your child had positive overnight experiences away from home? Visiting relatives or friends? Were these separations easy or difficult?

What does your child expect to do at camp? Learning about the camp experience ahead of time allows you to create positive expectations.

Are you able to share consistent and positive messages about camp? Your confidence in a positive experience will be contagious.