Preparing a sleepaway camp first-timer: A guide for the anxious parent

Summer camp can be an enriching experience, but It can be daunting for first-timers. So how can parents help prepare their sons and daughters for sleepaway camp?

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One of the hardest aspects of the experience is the separation. Particularly young children will not be used to the idea of living away from home and children of all ages, even veteran campers, can be prone to homesickness. Camp directors and counselors like the staff at Greenwoods Camp in Decatur, Michigan, understand this and are always willing to help.

But parents should try to dispel the children’s fears of going to this unfamiliar surrounding early on by telling the young ones about the great things they can look forward in the camp. Painfully shy kids might appreciate going to the camp with a buddy like a sibling or a close friend.

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The family can also look into how much communication is allowed and set a comfortable schedule according to this. Still, parents should encourage their children to enjoy themselves, and it could be counterintuitive if they miss out because they're always waiting by the phone.

Researching about the camp with the child is also recommended; knowing what to expect is better than going to camp and being bewildered by it. For peace of mind, families should find out about the camp's security, grounds, facilities healthcare, staff, and camp diet early on.

It may also be helpful to pack a reminder of home, like a family photo, a pillow, or a letter telling the child how proud of him the family is. Promising to send packages with a copy of a beloved book or a small toy (something that isn't too precious, in case it gets lost), and maybe some cookies or candy may also be comforting when the child is away.

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Parents also have some worries about sending their children away to camp, but it's important to remember that a child can benefit from having a safe, big space to frolic, learn, and make friends, and getting the right amount of the great outdoors. Besides, the camp experience can be a great way for both parents and their children to learn about healthy independence.

Parent don't have to be anxious about sending their sons to Greenwoods Camps as it prides itself in "taking care of campers better than anyone." Visit this website to learn more about the benefits of going to Greenwoods Camps.