Summer is just around the corner, and that means summer camp is approaching quickly! Both of my girls attend overnight camp and learn so much from the experience. If you have a child going away for the first time, I am sure you are simultaneously nervous and excited. To help ensure a successful camp experience, start working on a few habits at home now so that when your children are on their own at camp, they can handle these situations with ease!
Taking a Shower
Kids at camp will have a short amount of time to take a shower, and Mom or Dad won’t be there to make sure they’ve rinsed all the shampoo out of their hair. Begin teaching your child now how to be quick and efficient when taking a shower. Invest in a 3-in-1 bottle of body wash, shampoo and conditioner to help speed up the process (and eliminate the amount of stuff to pack). Limit showers at home so you child can get a feel for how long he will have to get clean each day at camp.
Caring for Clothes
Clothes at camp will get dirty. Really dirty. Don’t send anything new or that your child cares about, because it’s going to come back messy. Label each item your child takes to camp and double the amount of socks you send. Talk to your child about keeping his clothes in one central spot (trunk, suitcase or bag). Also, teach your child to hang up his clothes at the end of each day (rather than shove them in a bag, wet, sweaty and stinky) to allow them to air out before packing. This should make the smell that wafts from your child’s bag when he returns home a bit less gag-worthy.
Speaking to an Adult
Your child will have to be her own advocate at camp. If your youngster shies away from speaking up or becomes nervous when speaking to an adult, start practicing now. Have her order for herself at restaurants. Encourage her to ask a question of the checker when at the grocery store. When at the library, let her ask where to find an item. Providing lots of practice before camp will make it easier for your child to speak to her counselor or the nurse at camp.
Getting Unplugged
Most camps are tech-free zones, and being away from all electronics is a good thing. Camps have so much going on and so many opportunities to learn that most kids won’t even miss their devices. Start preparing them now by having kids shut down devices after dinner. Let them spend the evening without access to music or games or social media so that when they head off to camp, it’s just the norm, and facing a few days away from technology won’t be a big deal.
Making Good Choices
My girls both rave about the food at camp. I can’t help but wonder whether it’s really that good or they are just that hungry. Before sending your child to camp, go over the importance of healthy eating and making good choices. Yes, seconds on cinnamon rolls sound tempting, but having a banana instead will provide more energy and keep a body from getting too hungry before lunch. If your child is a picky eater, start now introducing new foods. Because so many campers need to be fed, camps don’t usually offer too many options. Also, remind kids to stay hydrated and drink lots of water!
Most of all, remind your child to have fun and make lots of friends. Summer camp memories truly last a lifetime!
Margaret Sarver lives in Lenexa and is still amazed that her girls enjoy overnight camp.