Summer Camp Success
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Many parents are worried about their child going away to summer camp; especially if it is the first time, your child is upset and they don't want to go, or you are concerned because your child has a difficult time with friendships.
There are many benefits to camp and there are ways to help your child so they have a successful summer camp experience.
Summer camp benefits include:
Mastering new skills, developing friendships, learning to get along with other children, a sense of self-confidence as they encounter new experiences and learn how to negotiate differences and overcome difficulties they experience. Children learn how to follow rules and norms, adjust and modify their behaviors to fit in with the social expectations, and adapt to new circumstances (many of the skills necessary to be successful as an adult).
There is an alchemy that happens at camp. As a parent you may ask your child to wake up and do chores at home and your child may be resistant and defiant. Whereas, at camp the collective group is awake and doing the scheduled activities, regardless if your child "likes" the activities. There is a powerful social expectation at camp, and children tend to respond favorably to the requests of a counselor. Often the behaviors seen at home, such as whining and defiance, are reduced at camp or in other social situations. When I've asked children about this they responded that the consequences at home are different than at school or camp (or that their parent's say will do something but never follow through). Children have told me that don't want to be embarrassed, and would act they way they do home while at camp or school.
So if you are concerned about your child adjusting to camp, they may actually excel at camp and get along better than they would at home with their sibling.
Here are some tips to help your child have summer camp success:
Is it your child's first summer camp experience? Start your child at local summer camps. You can choose a camp for a few hours a day or a full day program. Choose a camp with activities that they enjoy and they are excited about.
Visit the website and show your child what camp looks like and the activities they will be doing. Visit the location if necessary, and introduce your child to the staff to help with the transition.
If your child has special needs or you are worried about their behavior at camp, talk with the staff. Many parents worry that the camp staff will treat their child differently if they mention their child needs additional support. Be upfront about your child's needs to ensure that the camp is a good match for your child. For example, if your child has ADHD, make sure the staff knows how to work with a child who is a hands-on active learner. The more information the camp staff have, the more they can appropriately support your child's success, and if the camp is not a good match it is better to know that information before your child attends a program that is not suitable.
If your child is hesitant to go to a day camp, have them sign-up with a sibling or attend a camp with a friend. You can also volunteer for a few hours until your child becomes acclimated to the new environment.
Ready for an overnight camp? Pick one that offers activities your child loves, such as horseback riding camp or art camp. If your child is a reluctant camper choose a camp closer to home and go for a visit before the start of camp. Again, you can choose a camp that a friend or sibling is attending if your child is worried about going to a new place.
If you are concerned about your child going to camp and you worry that they have a difficult time separating from you or they are anxious and overwhelmed in new situations, art therapy can help. Help your child feel more confident and develop creative skills to manage worries, anxiety, and new situations. Schedule a complimentary Support Consultation.