Summer camp! Kids look forward to it and parents do too. There are so many different camps to choose from, and right now is a great time to begin your search. Take cues from your child’s interests to build interest and anticipation.
Tip: Use KC's #1 Summer Camp Guide to find the best camp for your child!
A simple way to encourage your child to look forward to this time away is to highlight when the camp starts. Once you select the best camp for your child to attend this summer, keep track of the date. You can keep a running countdown in the family room as a reminder every day to keep you excited and on top of all the things you need to do to prepare.
Get a duffel bag, either new or an old standby, and begin tossing camp items in it as you come across them. Keep the bag in the closet or corner of the room. As you think of things, put them in. One thing to keep in mind: There’s not much need to buy new clothes, as they will probably get dirty and stained. Playclothes are a great idea, comfy and broken in. Fitting everything in at home before camp will help children pack when they are ready to head home after camp.
A good way to prepare kids for overnight camp is to send them to spend the night with a friend or family member and practice packing and keeping track of their things in a new place. This lets children practice thinking ahead about what they need to be comfortable, what they’ll be wearing and what supplies they require at bedtime. Before camp season arrives, help your children cultivate some independence by taking care of themselves more, like making their beds and washing and brushing their own hair.
Emotional preparation plays a big role in whether camp is a success. Start a conversation about things your child may be nervous about. One great way for kids to get an idea of what to expect is to talk to friends who have been to camp. Their pals’ reports will give them an idea of what to expect. Read books about children who go off to camp. You can find plenty of them online and at your local library.
Discuss camp rules. Remind your children the rules are there to protect them, not to take away any fun. Camp counselors are there to talk to and can offer tips. Make sure your child is rested and healthy, and immunizations are up to date. Find out the mask protocols that are in place, and since your child is already used to wearing a mask, this will be simple. Lots of time is spent outdoors, which is a good thing! Fill out any forms ahead of time so drop-off will be smooth.
Speaking of drop-off, make it short and sweet at the door to the bus or cabin, and try not to hover. Feel confident that the camp counselor will help kids set up their sleeping bags in their cabin and generally settle in. All parents are tempted to linger, but this can delay the start to your kid’s fun camp adventure. Just like jumping into a swimming pool, sometimes a quick immersion is the best way to get the fun started.
Finally, you can use this opportunity to have meaningful conversations with your children after they come home. Find ways to bond over the new experiences they had and tell your own stories that relate to theirs. Sometimes, summer camp is not just about growing young minds, but also about creating those beautiful family moments for both parents and children to cherish for years.
When preparing your children for camp, why not tape this checklist on the fridge to get them excited and involved in packing and planning!
CHECKLIST:
- Socks
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Pajamas
- Tennis shoes/flip flops
- Swimsuit
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Swim goggles/earplugs
- Washcloths/towels
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Toothpaste/toothbrush
- Hairbrush/comb
- Shampoo
- Favorite pillow/stuffed animal
- Stationery already addressed
- Flashlight
- Favorite snacks, enough to share (e.g., granola bars)
An avid outdoors girl, Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.
Tip: Use KC's #1 Summer Camp Guide to find the best camp for your child!0