If your child will attend summer camp for the first time,r switching to a different one this year, he or she may feel a combination of excitement and nervousness. But that’s OK!
That’s because the benefits of going to a summer camp far outweigh any nervousness your kids may feel. In fact, a study by the American Camp Association found that children who attend a camp over the summer saw increased self-esteem, independence, leadership, friendship skills, social comfort and values, and decision-making skills, from the beginning to the end of the program.
But the newness of it all can weigh heavily on your son or daughter. So, if you’re a first-timer or switching camps, we’re here to help. Here are some tips to help the transition go smoothly.
What Parents Can Do
When it comes to providing a good camp experience, it starts with you at home. You have the opportunity to provide your child with all the information they need to get excited about going to camp this summer. Here are some ways you can do it.
#1 Be Clear About When and Where
Uncertainty can lead to anxiety for people of any age—and having information can empower them. So, let your child know when summer camp starts this year and how long it will last: perhaps from the second Monday in June through the last Friday in August.
Also, share drop-off and pick-up times and the summer camp’s location—and, if needed, provide context: this camp will start each morning in the park where your older brother plays baseball.
#2 Discuss Friends Who Will Attend
If someone from your child’s classroom or childcare center is attending the same camp, let your child know. This can help them to look forward to the camp, allowing them to anticipate fun times with special friends.
#3 Share Themes and Activities
Give your child a sense of the fun that awaits! This can include the theme (for Horizon, the 2022 theme is “Time Travels”) and planned activities.
Our summer day camp this year will include trips to Mad Factory, Urban Air, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Women’s Aviation, African Safari, Pioneer Water Park, Swings & Things, an art museum, and more.
#4 Answer Questions
Answer any questions you can about the camp and, if you don’t know an answer, help your youngster to figure out how to find the information. Also, pay attention to questions that aren’t directly asked.
For example, your child may act nervous when talking about the camp but not ask you specific questions. If so, it can make sense to invite them to ask questions; to answer them and to offer reassurance.
What Kids Can Do
Now that you’ve set your kids up to win, it’s their turn to talk. Help them get everything they can out of their experience by allowing them to do a few simple things.
#1 Ask Questions!
Any time you’re having a new experience, it’s natural to wonder. So, ask questions. You can ask your parents what time they’ll be taking you and when and where they’ll pick you up.
When you get to camp, you can ask your counselor where the bathrooms are, when and where you’ll eat lunch, and what you should do if you trip and fall or don’t feel well.
#2 Try New and Interesting Things
If you’re new to summer camp, overall—or new to the one you’re attending this year—this can be a perfect time to enjoy activities that you don’t normally get to try at home or school. This is how people find new hobbies and interests, ones that they can engage in for a lifetime.
#3 Enjoy the Friendships You Make
Summer camp’s more relaxed environment allows you to make new friends and spend time with friends you’ve already made. From running races together to making arts and crafts, exploring sites visited on field trips, and just laughing and having fun, summer camp is the ideal atmosphere for making, enjoying, and deepening friendships.
Horizon Education Centers Summer Camp 2022
Here’s information about our 2022 summer camp. We’ve got lots of excitement planned. Our weekly activities will include:
- Treasure Hunts
- Planet Exploration
- Investigating Famous Painters
On top of that, breakfast and lunch will be served daily. So, if you’d like to learn more about this year’s camp or are interested in signing up, contact us today.
