|
Parents need to talk to their children
about the realities and responsibilities involved in going off on their
own to an overnight summer camp.
Idyllic visions of spending the summer at a residential summer camp
include singing around the camp fire, sleeping in little cabins in the
woods, sneaking out under starry skies for late night pranks, eating in
the mess hall, and playing games in grassy fields. While many overnight
summer camps offer the classic experience, this picture is not always
realistic, as the experience can be daunting to even the most
adventurous and independent of children.
Moving away from home isn’t always easy, even if the move is temporary.
Many children find it difficult to deal with this aspect of summer camp.
The farther away from home, the more frightening the move can be.
Children may not only miss knowing that their parents are nearby for
reassurance and help, but they may also miss their siblings, pets,
belongings, and the familiar comforts of home. And what about privacy?
Some children are used to having their own room, or they are only
children. Other children simply enjoy solitude by nature. How will they
adjust to sleeping, eating, and possibly even showering together with
other campers?
It is very important for parents and children to discuss these aspects
of summer camp together. Parents need to talk to their children about
the realities and responsibilities involved in going off on their own to
an overnight summer camp. Both the parents and the children should know
as much about the camp as possible beforehand. When possible, they
should tour the prospective camp together before making a commitment to
enroll.
A good suggestion for parents is to try sending their child to a nearby
short-term day camp first. The next time, they can try a short-term
overnight camp. Finally, if the child has responded positively to his or
her camping experiences, the parents can feel confident and relaxed
about allowing their child to attend a long-term residential camp.
Children can have some of the best times of their lives at a residential
summer camp. Parents should just ensure that their children are ready
and able to adjust to the experience and accept the responsibilities.
|
Being
Prepared for