| u have selected the Best Overnight Summer | | | | Most importantly, make sure that you never use |
| Camp for your child. You did all the research and | | | | camp as a threat or in anger. It's important that |
| had your child help in the selection. Yet, preparing | | | | you never seem like you're counting the days until |
| for camp involves more than just packing their | | | | your child leaves for camp. The words can linger |
| clothes in a suitcase. You want to be sure that | | | | longer than you think, and it will confuse your child |
| your kid is emotionally prepared for this Summer | | | | about what camp is supposed to be. Your child |
| Camp Adventure. | | | | should believe that camp is a fun experience and |
| Getting your child ready for camp requires a | | | | that is why you have chosen it. |
| delicate balance. Talking about this exciting new | | | | Some Dos: * Do try to have your child meet the |
| experience is great but, you also don't want to | | | | camp director before camp begins. |
| overdo it. Over discussing Summer Camp can | | | | * Only talk in a positive way, they need to know |
| cause, children to loose a sense of reality, lead to | | | | you trust camp to be a safe, exciting place. |
| expectations and fantasies that can't be met, | | | | * continue to have sleepovers with family and |
| thus, leading to disappointment. It's also possible | | | | friends. |
| that these discussions continually highlight fears | | | | * Do continue to have short separations, such as |
| which, lead only to an increase of homesickness. | | | | sleepovers with family and friends for good |
| Several months before the beginning of camp | | | | practice. |
| you may want to start your discussions but not | | | | * Do allow your child to verbalize her concerns, |
| much before April. As receive pre-camp | | | | even if they sound silly. You may learn about |
| information it's wise to share these with your child. | | | | worries that you can easily resolve. |
| Camp Conversations: Choose your words wisely | | | | * Talk to a former camper about summer camp. |
| when you are talking about overnight summer | | | | They can tell you what camp is really like from a |
| camp. Children are very perceptive, and they feel | | | | kids point of view. |
| your concerns and fears. You don't even have to | | | | Some Don'ts: * Don't introduce anything else new |
| make a negative comment and they know. Visit | | | | in your child's life. Try to keep everything as |
| your library, rent a movie or pick up books about | | | | normal as possible, especially in the time close to |
| camp. Watch or read them together. Remember, | | | | the opening day. |
| most of the story lines are exaggerated, but | | | | *Squeeze in a family vacation just before camp |
| they can be a good segway on how to handle | | | | starts is never a good idea. Plan to be at home |
| situations at camp. | | | | for a few days before your lid leaves to go to |
| However, make sure to pick up on the subtle | | | | camp. This provide the comfort of a usual routine. |
| signals that your child sends. If they seem put off | | | | * Don't let your child suspect you have concerns |
| by the books or videos, then drop the subject. | | | | about his adjustment. |