On the first day of his last year at day camp, Zach walked off the camp bus and headed directly to Judi, his group leader and told her “this is my last year here. Next year I’m going to sleepaway camp”. While he was confident that he wanted to go to sleepaway camp the following summer, most kids are not. Speaking from experience, the majority of children feel some level of apprehension. So, how do you know if your child is sleepaway camp ready?
The decision to send your child to overnight camp is a personal one. Each child is unique and readiness is a family decision. In assessing readiness, there are telltale signs to help determine if your child is ready:
- Does your child enjoy doing sleepovers at a friend or family member’s house?
- Does your child enjoy doing things outside of school with friends?
- Does your child express excitement about the possibility of going to camp?
- Do they have friends who are going to camp and have started asking you questions about camp?
- Is your child open to trying new things?
- Do you feel your child is starting to outgrow local day camps he/she has been attending?
- Do you feel your child could benefit from gaining responsibility, confidence and independence?
If you answered yes to a number of these questions, it’s time to begin exploring the exciting world of summer camps! Your Tips on Trips and Camps’ advisors are here to simplify the process and guide you each step of the way. As always, our one and only goal is finding the right fit for your child!!!
