Tip of the Week from the American Camp Association
About
ACA
Media
Tip
from the American Camp Association
May 21 , 2008
Is "Kid-sickness" the
new "Homesickness"?
As good parents, all of us go to great
lengths to play a big role in the lives
of our children and, as a result, their
lives become our lives. So what happens
when all at once, that life goes to summer
camp, leaving us all alone in a quiet house? That's
going to happen to millions of families
over the next months as over 10 million
U.S. children head to camp. The American
Camp Association suggests that parents "push
through the pain" to ensure that kids
reap the unique benefits of the camp experience.
Here are five tips to help "kid-sick" parents
cope:
-
Focus on the positive. "Focus
on what is so positive about the experience
children will have at camp – the
opportunity to have fun while developing
social skills, building character and
self respect, spending time in nature,
and participating in a community based
on caring, fairness, citizenship, and
trust."
- Peg L. Smith, ACA CEO
-
Remember that separation is natural
and necessary. "Remember your
baby's first crawl, the first time
your child stepped onto a school bus,
and his or her first overnight with
a friend or relative. These memories
are all important developmental phases
you and your child successfully navigated.
Each successful separation gives your
child confidence for the next challenge.
Recognize and expect success."
- Peg L. Smith, ACA CEO
-
You've taught them well. "Trust
that the connection you have with your
child doesn't break or evaporate when
you are physically apart. Everything
you have taught them is there. Having
anxiety or sadness about seeing them
off is entirely reasonable and understandable.
How can you love your kids and not have
some feelings like these? Yet, one of
the most valuable lessons we as adults
can model for our children is that even
in the face of our feelings, no matter
how strong, we do what is best."
- Bob Ditter, family therapist
-
This is vital preparation. "As
our children prepare to eventually leave
home permanently, the camp experience
will instill independence through summers
of fun while helping them acquire skills
and assets that will serve them throughout
their lives."
- Peg L. Smith, ACA CEO
-
Share what you are feeling. "Talk
with a friend or spouse. What are you
feeling? What was the reason for sending
your child to camp in the first place?
Having an outside perspective can help
us look more evenly at our own."
- Bob Ditter, family therapist
Contact Public Relations at 765.349.3317
or pr@ACAcamps.org to
interview an ACA
spokesperson for more information
on the ways the camp experience enhances
the lives of children, teens, and adults.
Also, for customizable public
service announcements or article
reprints, visit our Media
Center.
About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance
the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs
ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally
challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps
that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
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