Camp can seem a little bit scary. Especially for first time campers, the summer camp experience is something new and different, loud and energy-filled. There are traditions to learn, counselors to meet, new rules to follow and fellow counselors to be acquainted with. There is the unfamiliar, the unknown. Sure, there is an entire summer of experiences to relish, but within those first few moments — and the many moments of anticipation — there is a little fear and a stomach full of nerves.
At the Y, we want kids to feel comfortable from beginning to end, from the first song sung to the last s’more roasted.
To help parents prepare their happy campers, we’ve compiled four ways to get camp ready:
1. Pick the Right Camp For Your Child
Camp comes in all shapes and sizes. There are resident camps and day camps. There are traditional camps that include the classics: archery, swimming, field trips, games and sports, arts and crafts. There are specialty camps that can focus on one thing — sports, arts, science, farming, multi-media. There are adventure and nature camps that take kids into the great outdoors for both exploration and education. There are even camps for kids with special needs.
While one child might thoroughly enjoy a large traditional camp, your child may need or want something smaller and more focused. Or maybe your child prefers cooking to kayaking, writing stories to riding bikes.
The point is: Work with your child to find a camp that gets them all excited and happy.
2. Try Day Camp First
Resident camp is the stuff that movies are made of. When you think of summer camp, you likely think of rustic cabins and a dining hall, talent shows and color wars, a lake and hilarious antics á la Meatballs.
There is something oh so quixotic about it.
Overnight camp is something that all kids should experience — but they should experience it when they are ready. Our staff recommends that kids enjoy a few summers of day camp before they give resident camp a try. Kids should be comfortable being away from their family and home (and technology) for a week or more.
3. Arrive Early, Arrive Prepared
The first moments of camp can be a little overwhelming. There are a lot of kids and a lot of parents. It’s a lot. There are questions to be answered, introductions to be made.
To make it easy on you and your child, come early on your first day. That way, you both have a chance to meet your counselors and get comfortable before the crowds arrive.
Read through all your camp information and parent handbook. Know what you need to bring (and not bring), make sure you have all your paperwork filled out and know where you need to go on that first day. Think about snacks and a water bottle with your child’s name on it. That will make the morning a little less hectic for your family.
Feel free to contact your camp ahead of time to make sure you are prepared. Many camps have open houses or information sessions you can attend. These are great, even if you have already registered, to help you get all your questions answered.
4. Talk It Out
Even if you are prepared and even if your child is an experienced camper, they may still have some mixed emotions about their impending summer camp adventures.
It’s always good to speak to your kiddo about camp. Ask them about their feelings and thoughts. Ask them what they are excited and concerned about. Ask them about their expectations. Ask if they have questions.
If your child is worried about anything specifically, let your counselor know quietly on the first day. That way, you give camp staff an opportunity to help your child overcome any fears. Check in with your child about whether or not camp is meeting their expectations. How is it exceeding them and how is it not? Speak to your counselor accordingly.
The YMCA of Boulder Valley is currently registering for summer day and residential camp. Check them out in our Summer Camp Guide!
Register at ymcabv.org. Financial assistance is available.
