We love connecting with friends who are doing great things in the Camp community! This week, we’re featuring a great guest blog about 4 Ways to Make Sure You’re Camp Ready from Asaf Darash.
Asaf Darash is the founder of Regpack, an online camp registration system used by more than 2,700 camps worldwide. Regpack’s technology is based on Asaf’s Ph.D. that dealt with computer data connections and networks and is the foundation for the flexibility of the Regpack system.
Whether it’s your child’s first summer or their 10th, being Camp ready takes some planning! It usually starts with a checklist of all the things to do before camp starts: make a doctor’s appointment for a physical, get a haircut, buy sunscreen, find the sleeping bag, etc. It can get kind of crazy, especially if you’re sending multiple kids of varying ages to different camps. We’re here to help! Here are 4 ways to be Camp Ready this summer!
Has your child ever slept away from home? Do they need a refresher? Try having a sleepover or two to prepare them for sharing a space with others and being in an unfamiliar place. Consider sending first-timers to spend a night with a friend or relative so they can get used to the idea of being away from home.
You can also practice common Camp activities that your child might not do at home, so they are better prepared: making the bed, showering and getting ready on their own, and reading by flashlight are a few great ways to start.
Preparing any child, no matter their Camp experience or age, for what’s coming up is always a good idea. Listen to what they have to say – are they nervous, excited, or a little of both? Talk out any emotions they have. You can use the website or social media page of the Camp as a way to get excited together about the experience and help them picture the fun they will have. Come up with a plan: what does your child want to try at Camp, what do you want them to learn, and how often do you want to communicate? When kids know what to expect, and have goals in mind, it can help them adjust.
Get to know the Camp’s communication policy and then make sure your child knows when they can expect to talk to you and how they can get in touch (letters, postcards, etc). If there are any goals your child wants to work on during the summer or fears they want to overcome, flush these out and then encourage them when you communicate during Camp as a way to motivate them and help them focus on enjoying their experience!
Camp will provide you with a Parent Guide and a suggested packing list. Read them together and add what else is relevant and specific for your camper. Having a list and keeping organized will keep your stress levels down and ensure you don’t forget anything! The Parent Guide will help you understand Camp policies, what devices you can and cannot bring, and the daily schedule. That way, everyone will know what to expect!
Once you’ve made your list, consider enlisting your child’s help in buying things on your list for Camp and labeling their belongings. This can help with the excitement and brings them into the process of preparation. It might seem silly that picking out a new tube of toothpaste or a specific scent of shampoo can help with Camp preparation, but you’d be surprised how well it works!
It can feel overwhelming to leave your child at Camp. While you might be just as anxious as they are, don’t let them know it! Follow steps 1-3 and focus on the exciting adventure they are about to have! Instead of responding to a child who says “I’m going to miss you!” with “Me too!” you can say, “I’m so excited to hear about all the amazing things you’re going to do this summer!”.
Don’t promise them they can come home if they aren’t having fun. It’s normal to want to intervene, but almost every kid adjusts after initial homesickness and ends up having a great time at Camp. It’s a great place for them to mature, grow, learn to be independent, and most of all, have fun!
The best way you can support your child is by remaining cool and focusing on the positive! And remember, you get some kid-free time too while your child is at Camp! Don’t feel guilty, enjoy this! While your child is having fun, you can focus on having fun, too!
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