A Parent’s Guide to Helping Kids Make the Most of Their Summer Camp Experience
Camp provides children with the opportunity to have new experiences, get active, make new friends, and learn in a low-pressure environment. Here, we highlight some of the benefits of sending your child to camp, how to determine camp readiness, plus a few products to consider when packing.
Exploring the Benefits of Camp
While sending your camper away for the first time may cause some anxiety, there are many benefits to going to camp. Research has found that parents and guardians often report positive changes in campers after returning home. Read on to learn some of the key benefits of camp for children.
According to the American Camp Association, campers will likely experience some or all of the following benefits after a trip to camp:
Social Skill Development
Campers gain leadership experience, practice their communication skills, and participate in group tasks while encouraging others.
Self-Respect and Character Building
Campers are required to be responsible for themselves, their belongings, and their behaviors. They learn beneficial lessons of resourcefulness and resilience when faced with challenges.
Community Living/Service Skills
Campers learn valuable lessons about caring and fairness in group settings, and how to trust others and gain trustworthiness.
In addition to these key benefits, campers often experience five areas of positive growth:
- Attitudes toward physical activity
- Emotional intelligence
- Social integration and citizenship
- Personal development and self-confidence
- Environmental awareness
These skills are associated with well-being and are critical in all stages of life, helping kids navigate school, the workplace, relationships, and even their mental health, in the future. Camps are a great opportunity to learn in a low-pressure environment, build and maintain supportive relationships, and foster social skills like problem-solving, empathy, and resilience.
Determining Camp Readiness
Sending your child to camp for their first time can be nerve-racking. The following questions from the American Camp Association can help you determine your child’s camp readiness.
- What is your child’s age? Children under age 7 may not adjust as easily to being away from home overnight. Consider the day camp experience to prepare them for future overnight camp.
- How did your child become interested in camp? Does your child talk about camp and camp activities on a sustained basis? How much persuasion is necessary from you?
- Has your child had positive overnight experiences away from home, such as while 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.
Exploring these questions can give you a better idea of if your child is camp ready. If you are still on the fence, consider reaching out to the camp you are considering sending them to. You could ask the camp what kinds of activities they do, how they handle various situations that may arise, what kind of training the counselors receive, and if you and your child could do a site visit.
Perfect Provisions
Whether your child is a camp regular or going for the first time, these useful products will help them have a great time.
NAME-DROPPER Stamper
Belongings at camp can easily get lost or mixed in with other children’s belongings. Label your camper’s clothes and other items quickly and easily with the customizable NAME-DROPPER permanent ink stamper, which is designed to leave a bold imprint that lasts over a year’s worth of washes.
REI Kindercone 25 Sleeping Bag
If your camper needs a sleeping bag, look no further than REI’s popular Kindercone model. The bag’s built-in length adjuster allows for custom length, which adds thermal efficiency and room for the bag to grow as your child does. It also comes with an attached stuff sack and recycled, water-repellent polyester shell, making it a great option for overnight camp.
Gaiatop Portable Fan
This battery-powered, portable fan has three speeds and can be placed almost anywhere thanks to its flexible tripod legs. Clipping it onto the camper’s tent or bedding will help keep them cool and deter bugs.
Yeti Rambler
Described as “indestructible” by one reviewer, this water bottle is an excellent choice for camp. The leakproof stainless-steel bottle keeps water cold or hot and is dishwasher safe. Let your camper pick out their favorite color, and add customization with their name or initials.
Camping Journal for Kids
Your camper can document their favorite camp activities and memories in this special journal. Meant for children ages 8-12, the journal also includes facts and information that may come in handy as they camp, and it encourages them to reflect on their experiences.
Packing for Camp
Staying organized before and during camp can help you and your camper feel more prepared. Below are a few packing tips to prep and prepare!
- Consult the List. Most camps will provide a list of required and suggested items. Use this as a starting point, and add to it as you think through what your camper may need. Check items off the list as they get packed.
- Start Early. There’s nothing more stressful than realizing you forgot to buy an item at the store on the night before dropping off your camper. Getting a head start gives you extra time to ensure you have all the necessities and order any items you prefer to get online.
- Consider the Space. Often, campers stay in a small, shared space. Storage solutions like plastic, waterproof tubs that fit under the bed or hanging shoe racks help combat limited space while keeping things organized.
- Pack a Laundry Bag. Providing your camper with a laundry bag will help them keep their dirty clothes separated from their clean clothes. Bags with waterproof lining are a great option, especially for wet clothing.
- Make it Personal. Comfort items can help with homesickness, such as a favorite stuffed animal or a journal to write down thoughts and feelings.
- Label Items. Don’t forget to label your camper’s items with a stamper or permanent marker.
Meet the Author
Kristen Dee, BS, MA, Summa Cum Laude
Kristen Dee is a graduate of Winthrop University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in integrated marketing communications, with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude and IMC Student of the Year. Following Winthrop, Kristen earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Wake Forest University. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor, Kristen successfully fulfilled roles involving internal corporate communications. Today, Kristen leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
