S'mores, campfires, mosquito bites - those joys of summer camp. Believe it or not, it's already time to register. But is your child ready for overnight camp?
Many overnight camps start taking children at the age of seven, but just because your child hits that age limit doesn't mean they're ready.
One local camp director told ParentMap that she's actually seen a seven year old do just fine, but a 14 year old was the one crying and missing home. So age might not have much to do with a good camp experience.
You should ask yourself these questions:
Does your child make friends easily? Does your child like challenges and new experiences? Is your child a good sleeper and not anxious at night? Can your child follow directions?
If you're answering yes, then your child will probably do fine at a sleep away camp.
Just remember the American Camp Association did a study and showed 90-percent of children feel some level of homesickness, so it's very normal to miss home to some degree.
What to look for in a camp
The biggest key to find the best camp: match the camp to your child's interest.
A recent study in the medical journal Pediatrics looked at children that were homesick. The researchers found children do best when they feel in control. So let your child be part of the process. Let them choose if they want to go to a sports camp or outdoor camp or art camp.
Ask them how long they want to stay away from home. Try to visit the camp in person first.
Talk to the camp directors, staff, parents of campers. Also, ask about the return rate of both campers and staff. That might be a good indicator of stability and if children like the camp.
Tips to prepare your child
One thing for getting ready is to practice time away. Have your child spend the weekend at grandparents' or a friend s home.
Plan your correspondence. Talk about how you'll be in touch. Some camps have restrictions on this. Let your child know who they can go to at camp if they need something.
Choose words carefully. If you keep saying how much you'll miss your child, that might make them homesick more. Also, don't say things like, I hope you'll be okay. This might instill fear. Say, I know you ll be okay.
Pack comfort. Let your child bring their favorite stuffed animal, toy, whatever makes them feel more at home.
ParentMap and St. Thomas School in Medina are co-hosting a Camp Fair, where they'll be about 80 different camps represented. It s free and you get to pick up brochures, schedules and talk with directors. It s this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Thomas.
For more information go to theParentMap website.
