When it comes time to prepare for summer camp, it’s perfectly normal for your child to feel some, or a great deal, of anxiety. As with any new adventure, spending a few nights or a few weeks away from home can be a lot for a child to handle – especially if it’s their first time experiencing it.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to help your anxious child prepare for summer camp. And we’ve compiled them all right here.
Help Your Anxious Child Get Excited for Camp
1. Involve them in the process
While you may already have a specific camp in mind, consider allowing your child to pick the camp that most appeals to them. Or, involve them in the process of selecting what kind of camp they’d like to go to i.e. art camp, music camp, etc.
2. Visit the camp
If able to, consider visiting your selected camp prior to move-in day. One reason children get anxious before camp is because they don’t know what to expect. Visiting the camp ahead of time will allow them to be more familiar with their surroundings when it eventually comes time for move-in day.
3. Go shopping with them
After receiving your packing list for camp, take your child shopping with you for everything they need. This can often can be a fun part of the process. Let your child select a few things for themselves, too, to increase their excitement for summer camp.
4. Start with sleepovers
If your child isn’t used to spending the night away from home, throwing them into a week-long overnight camp may not be the best idea. To best prepare for summer camp, consider starting with sleepovers months before camp begins to get them acclimated to even the tiniest bit of separation from you and from home.
5. Discuss how they’re feeling
As you prepare for summer camp, be sure to check in with your child and ask how they’re feeling. Ask questions about what they’re most excited about or most looking forward to. Avoid asking questions with a negative connotation like “What are you most afraid of?” etc.
6. Stay positive
Your child can sense anxiety or nervousness of your own. No matter how worried you may be, it’s best to stay positive throughout the process as you prepare for summer camp.
7. Share your own experiences
Have you been to summer camp? Share your own experiences! It will comfort your child knowing that summer camp is something you’ve experienced, too. Tell them stories about activities you participated in, friends that you made, and why they’ll have a great time, too.
8. Encourage communication
Before sending your child off to summer camp, be sure to give them envelopes and paper (or postcards), stamps, and a pen so they can easily write to you while away. If you think your child will get more homesick, consider packing their favorite stuffed animal, a family photo, or something to remind them of home.
9. Keep goodbyes short
The longer it takes to say goodbye, the less your child will actually want to leave you. It’s best to keep your goodbyes brief while still allowing your child enough time to be comfortable in their new environment.