Tip of the Week from the American Camp Association
About
ACA
Media
Tip
from the American Camp Association
June 4, 2008
Five
Ways for Parents to Prepare a First-Time
Camper for the Experience
Sending a child away to camp for the first
time is an important milestone for most
families, one that often includes a great
deal of excitement, planning, anticipation,
and perhaps even some anxiety and fear
of the unknown. Once children become immersed
in camp and are able to have fun, meet
new friends, and take positive risks in
a nurturing environment, they often don’t
miss home at all. It is not uncommon though
for first-time campers to have a level
of trepidation before leaving home.
Prepare your child for the time of his
or her life with the following tips from
camp professionals and child development
experts:
-
Decision-making is a two-way street. "While
decisions about where to go have already
been made, what to pack should be a joint
family endeavor. The more that the child
owns the decision, the more comfortable
the child will feel being at camp."
– Peter Surgenor, ACA
President
-
Talk to your child before camp. "What
does your child expect to do at camp?
Learning about the camp experience ahead
of time allows you to create positive
expectations. Talking with your
child about these kinds of issues is
a great way to show support as your child
gets ready to take this important step.
Also, communicate confidence in your
child’s ability to handle being
away from home, and share with your child
that camp, like the rest of life, has
high and low points."
– Peg L. Smith, ACA CEO
-
Homesickness can be prevented. "Tell
your child that some feelings of homesickness
are normal. When children arrive
at camp with a repertoire of coping strategies
and some practice time away from home
under their belts, they are ready for
those normal feelings of homesickness."
– Ann Sheets, ACA Immediate
Past President
-
Making new friends at camp. "If
your child is shy about meeting new kids,
encourage them to get to know others
by being a good listener. Also, remind
them that not everyone in the cabin,
bunk, or group has to be their friend,
and they don't have to be everyone else's
friend, as long as they treat one another
with respect."
– Bob Ditter, Family Therapist
-
Practice, practice, practice! "Encourage
your child's independence throughout
the year with practice separations, such
as sleepovers at a friend's or grandma's
house. These experiences are great ways
to simulate the camp environment."
– Peg L. Smith, ACA CEO
Contact Public Relations at 765.349.3317
or pr@ACAcamps.org to
interview an ACA
spokesperson for more information on
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.
Printer Friendly
