Chances are, you and your child have the same fears: Walking into a gaggle of kids and parents. Everyone knowing everyone, except you. Getting lost on campus. Awkward moments at orientation. Wild, unsupervised parties. Your child - eating alone at a far bench. Your child - friendless for the entire summer.
This nightmare does not have to be your child's reality. Summer camp should, and can, be a fun and rewarding experience for your child. This, the second in a two-article installment on summer camps, will alleviate your fears. If you follow the tips below, then your child's time at camp will be positive and successful.
FACE IT. Use social networks and good old email to help your child connect with other campers before the summer begins. Set up a fan page for the camp on Facebook. On this fan page, campers and parents can chat, post questions, and give reminders. Encourage your child to email other campers.
GO AWAY. On the first day of camp, take your child to his destination, assist him in settling in, and then leave. Lingering parents create lingering feelings of doubt about being away from home. Homesickness and initial discomfort are normal. These feelings subside as your child engages in the many exciting activities his summer camp has to offer. The sooner you leave, the sooner your child can establish his camp as a home away from home.
BE NOSY. To keep track of your child's experience, get the names of directors, advisors, and other support staff. Develop a regular time to check in with a supervising adult (most camps have an advising system).
BE PREDICTABLE. Set a time during which you will call your child each day. Routine check-in times are helpful, especially for parents of children enrolled in sleep-away programs. This daily conversation time will help ease anxiety for you and homesickness for your child.
ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE. During the first days of camp, it is normal for your child to have complaints. To frame your child's conversation in a positive way, use the following conversation starters:
o Tell me 3 good things that happened today.
o What was the best thing about your day?
o Tell me about all of the interesting kids and instructors you meet today.
o What was the best thing about your day?
o Tell me about all of the interesting kids and instructors you meet today.
ADDRESS CONCERNS. Of course, you should not ignore your child's concerns. Listen and affirm any worries he has and then follow up using the camp's advising system. If your child's camp is local, pay an unannounced visit so that you can get a more candid assessment of your child's experience.
Summer camps are a great way for your child to improve social skills, supplement learning, and develop a sense of independence. The tips in this article will help you and your child make the best of their summer experience.
Author's Bio
James Guilford has worked as the dean of an academic program for five summers. Download free resources, including the free e-books Classroom Management 101 and Home Schooling 101, at http://www.jamesguilford.com.
