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Summer Camp Prep
What They'll Need to Be Ready for the Next Few Months
By Christine Tarlecki
for PARENTS EXPRESS
Summer's coming and that means time for camp, but with so many different kinds of camps available, how do parents know which to chose?
Even if you do know which camp might be best for your child, there are plenty of other questions to ask. What should I pack for my child to bring to camp? What if my child gets homesick? What if the parents get homesick for their child? And the biggest question of all, will my child be safe at camp?
Start with the Basics
Jeffrey Solomon, founder and executive director of National Camp Association, Inc. — a world-renowned organization which is celebrating its 21st year of service to families, students and camps worldwide — suggests parents be prepared, and that begins with the basics.
Solomon says parents should include "appropriate clothing, enough changes of clothing, contact information [and the] proper equipment [depending on what kind of camp it is]." And, if there are any questions about what to bring, "parents can always call the camp director. There also may be a very good reason why something is not on the list, or the camp is going to provide it for the child, like bed linens or sheets and towels," says Solomon.
Things not to bring to camp include items that aren't replaceable. "Family heirlooms, expensive jewelry, cell phones, handheld computer games, a favorite item of any sort – all are not advised to bring to camp," he says, adding that some camps have stricter policies than others. This means that items deemed unacceptable will be confiscated and returned to the camper at season's end. Solomon also says that the camp should have a list of any special requirements the camper might have. "The parents must disclose any needs of the camper to the camp; a food allergy, medicine needed, so
the child does not have to self-administer," he says.
I Wanna Go Home!
With the camp picked and the child packed, what do parents do if their child gets homesick?
"When dealing with homesickness, the process starts before the child leaves for camp," says Solomon. "Parents should discuss the camp and activities – what they are going to be doing, etcetera – with their children so they feel more informed and more empowered. That way, they do not have a heightened sense of fear before they even get to camp," Solomon says.
Once camp begins, parents should expect their child to feel some level of homesickness. "It is very normal for kids to experience homesickness, which is really separation anxiety," he says. "They are going to feel a little uncomfortable at being away from home and it takes a few days or even a week for that to dissipate. Camps and counselors expect that and are equipped to handle that and work with the kids to help them acclimate and become more comfortable with their surroundings. Kids usually end up adjusting, and having a great time," says Solomon.
The thing to remember, he adds, is that homesickness generally decreases over time, which is why most camps suggest children stay for a longer period of time. A week, for example, is probably just too short because the adjustment period is typically at least a week.
"Most campers [that] leave after one week, [take] with them the most difficult part of the experience, rather than the fun that would be in the weeks following," he says. "If a child is having a problem at camp, he or she can always talk to the camp counselor, or the camp director," Solomon says.
He says that parents should hold off pulling the child out of camp if he experiences homesickness. "The child can feel defeated that they didn't ... experience the positive aspects of camp that would have followed after the period of homesickness."
Also, parents need to know what lines of communication are open between them and the camp director, especially when it comes to problems of homesickness. He says that while some camps allow phone calls with parents and children, others have serious limits because they feel too much contact can disrupt the child and lead to more homesickness. Some camps allow for snail mail letters and e-mail, so that kids can keep communicating with their parents but not feel the emotional disruption of a phone call.
The Girl Scouts of America work to keep their campers from getting homesick. "When the girls arrive at our camp, we immediately immerse them in the activities of camp and introduce them to the other girls, especially if they did not come with a buddy, so they won't have time to miss their parents," explains Emily Damson, camp administrator. "We keep the girls engaged and having fun. Our C.I.T.s (counselors-in-training) are always nearby to assist the counselors if needed, and help [the girls get accustomed] to camp life."
Damson says that some girls still get homesick in the evenings or quiet time, when things have slowed down. "One of the best methods I have [to deal with homesickness] is having the counselors meet with each girl in their cabin before bed to talk about something they are going to do the next day [going fishing, canoeing, finish working on arts and crafts]. Then the camper can focus on the upcoming fun activity, relax and go to sleep," she says.
Homesick Parents
Lines of communication are also important for parents, especially those new at sending their children off to camp.
"Parents can have difficulty dealing with missing their kids," says Solomon. "[They wonder], will someone care for [my] children in the same manner [I] would?"
The trick is to stay informed, says Solomon. "Parents making informed decisions before camp – planning, checking references of accredited camps – [know that] the more informed they are, the more comfortable they will be." He suggests parents know communication policies, and talk to the camp director to see how the child is doing. This knowledge will be a comfort to the parents.
Need More Information?
If parents still aren't fully sure how to deal with certain aspects of camp, most camps can direct them to DVDs, videos, books and Web sites that can help, says Solomon.
"Parents need do their homework," he says.
Christine Tarlecki is a freelance writer from Mont Clare, Pa.
Last Updated: 1/18/2008 4:41:56 PM EST
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