Preparing Your Child for Summer Camp

Summer camps create memories that last a lifetime. The benefits of attending camp are numerous -- making new friends, learning new skills, and building confidence and self-esteem. Great camps also teach kids teamwork, resiliency, and independence. All it takes to ensure your child’s experience is a positive one, is a little planning before camp begins.

For children who want to stay close to home, a day camp is a great place to start. Kids looking for more freedom and independence might benefit from a sleepaway camp. Multi-experience camps will expose your child to numerous activities. Specialty camps will focus on a child’s specific interest or passion such as art, sport, science, or nature.

Set Expectations with Your Child

Whatever kind of camp you choose, it’s important that your kids are safe and healthy while they’re away from home, and sometimes that takes a little planning for parents,” says Laura Criscenzo, DO, a pediatrician with Atlantic Health System. “Talk to your child ahead of time about what will happen at camp, so they’re prepared for this new experience – both physically and emotionally.”

• Go over the camp schedule together to relieve nerves and help your child feels comfortable.
• Review the camp’s rules and requirements to help ensure your child is prepared and understands expectations.
• Decide what to bring together. Pack water bottles, sunblock, snacks, a rain jacket, a bathing suit, whatever the camp recommends for activities and weather.
• Practice certain skills ahead of time with younger kids such as taking off a wet swimsuit or buckling a school bus seatbelt.
• Encourage your child to make new friends, try new foods and activities, and be helpful to the counselors.
• Make sure your child is physically fit for the activity level of the camp.
• Schedule your child’s annual physical in advance and make sure all immunizations are current.

Get the Answers You Need from Camp Staff

“The best camp environment is one where trusted, caring, well-trained adults set safe boundaries for kids,” says Dr. Criscenzo. “By asking a few simple questions, parents can gain a better understanding of how much emphasis a camp places on health and safety.”

• What is the camper to counselor ratio?
• What types of medical training is the staff required to have?
• Does the staff undergo background checks before hiring?
• What kind of medical care and equipment is available on-site?
• How does the camp make medical accommodations when necessary?

It’s important to know, in advance, who will administer care to your child in an emergency. If appropriate, discuss your child’s medical conditions in advance with staff and provide them with any medications needed, labeled clearly with your child’s name, dosage, and frequency.

For example, if your child has severe allergies or asthma, give the staff a written action plan before camp begins along with a photo of your child. Make sure the staff is trained to use any devices your child might needs such as an EpiPen or an inhaler.

“Camp helps children mature, learn life skills, and form lifelong memories and friendships,” says Dr. Criscenzo. With a little planning, parents can set their child up for a summer that’s safe and lots of fun.”