Summer is coming, and for many kids, that means a trip to camp. If this is your child’s first trip to camp, you may both be nervous about how things will go. A little advance preparation can make everyone feel more comfortable.- Day camp or overnight
- Type of camp – religious, sports, academic, Scouts, etc.
- Length of the camp (how many days, how many hours each day if it is a Day Camp)
- Whether any friends will be attending the same camp
- Transportation
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Staff training
- Hiring procedures, including whether the camp checks references and does background checks on all staff
- Availability of medical personnel
- Procedures for keeping the camp safe from intruders
- Bad weather procedures
- Schedule a physical for your child if one is required.
- Send in all required enrollment forms and medical forms.
- Ask about what gear your child needs to bring. Go shopping if necessary.
- Label all gear.
- Arrange travel to and from camp.
- Talk with your child about what to expect at camp. For example, are calls home allowed? What will the daily schedule be? Will there be a visitor’s day? If your child seems nervous, communicate confidence in his or her ability to handle being away from home.
- Set up a “thinking about you” time: you and you child will think about each other every day at breakfast, when you see the first star of the night, or when you brush your teeth.
- Find out the mailing address for sending letters to campers.
- Pack gear, using the checklist you received from the camp.
- Pack self-addressed stamped postcards or envelopes so your child can write to you from camp.
- Mail letters to camp for your child to receive. Mail the first letter early so your child receives it the first day of camp.
- Give your child spending money for snacks, t-shirts, etc.
How do I choose the right summer camp for my child?
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Start with your child. Talk about what kind of camp sounds fun to them — day camp versus overnight, sports versus arts versus academic versus nature-focused. Then factor in practical questions: how many days, whether friends will be there, transportation, and cost. A camp that fits your child’s interests and feels safe to both of you is far more valuable than the most impressive-looking brochure.
What safety questions should I ask a summer camp?
Key questions include staff-to-camper ratios, how emergencies are handled, what the medical staff or first aid coverage looks like, and what the policy is for homesick or struggling campers. Visit the facility if possible — a good camp will welcome the inspection. Also ask for references from other families who have sent children there, particularly families with a child similar to yours in age and temperament.
How do I help my child prepare emotionally for their first overnight camp?
Talk about what to expect in advance, in calm, practical terms. What will a typical day look like? What do they do if they miss home? Who can they go to if something feels wrong? Practicing small stretches of independence at home — a sleepover at a friend’s house, a weekend with grandparents — can build confidence before the first camp experience.
What should I put in my child’s summer camp packing list?
Beyond the basics on the camp’s official list, think ahead to what your child specifically needs to be comfortable: a favorite book, a small comfort item for younger campers, clearly labeled clothes (everything goes missing), and any medication or medical supplies with written instructions. Send something from home — a photo, a short letter to open on the first night — to help ease the first day.
My 1O year old daughter is going to camp in two weeks. She and I have been doing lots of research for packing. Her name is Audrey, and this is her first overnight camp. She’s got a list full of things she needs to bring, and she probably already marked off 3 suitcases already! Thanks for your help and time. We both really appreciate it.