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Is Your Child Ready for Sleep-Over Camp by Katrina L. Cassel Do you have happy memories of camp – memories of special friends, singing around a campfire, or learning to swim or sail? You might have played jokes on cabin mates, taken part in impromptu skits, or slept in a tent for the first time. Camp days can leave positive lifetime memories. Unfortunately, they can also leave lasting bad memories when a child goes to camp before he or she is ready. Although some residential camps accept children as young as 6 years old, that doesn't mean a 6-year-old child is ready to sleep away from home. You are the best judge of whether or not your child is ready for camp. Here are some things to consider: Has your child experienced sleeping away from home before? If you've had to pick him up from a friend's sleepover, he's not ready for an unfamiliar camp. If he's hesitant to spend time at Grandma's house, he's not ready. A child should have positive away-from-home experiences before attending a residential camp.
Can your child care for her own needs? Does she choose clothes and dress herself? Shower herself? A child should be able to handle her own self-care, eating, and sleeping needs before being away from parents at camp.
Is your child really interested in attending camp? Does he ask questions about what he'll do at camp and show enthusiasm toward it? A child should look forward to camp and openly show his interest.
Will your child know anyone at camp? If a friend or sibling is attending the same camp, your child may not suffer as much homesickness. If your child is going with an older sibling, coach the older child on how to help the younger child.
Does your child enjoy new experiences? Going to new places and making new friends? Does she like to try new foods and new activities? If so, she may come home from camp with a list of addresses for new friends and a whole list of new hobbies.
Do you feel confident about your child going to camp? Are you going to spend the week or the summer worrying about your child? If you're feeling uneasy about your child going to camp, he'll sense it and it will make him feel less sure also. Listen to your feelings. They may be telling you to wait a summer. If after considering it you don't feel your child is ready to go away to camp, there are other options. Here are some things to consider: Find a local day camp for your child. You can find day camps to fit your child's interest and needs and your budget. Try www.acacamps.org for a list of camps or call your local YMCA or Parks & Recreation Department. Your child can experience sports, crafts, and new friends in a setting where she feels comfortable.
Consider church camp. Your church might have a one-week camp for the church kids. Even though he'd be away from home, your child would be with his church friends. The counselors will also be people he knows from church.
Attend a family camp. Your whole family can take part in the camping experience. You'll learn new skills and take part in activities together. Family camp will help you bond and share memories.
Volunteer to be a counselor or camp worker. Find a camp that can use your help as a counselor, cook, lifeguard, or craft teacher and attend residential camp with your child. Having you nearby will give her the confidence she needs. Summer camp can be a lot of fun, but make sure your child is ready before you launch into the world of new experiences away from home. You are the best judge of whether or not your child is ready. Katrina Cassel, M.Ed., lives with her husband, five of their children, and an assortment of pets in the Florida panhandle. |
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