Your child will be going to sleepaway camp for the first time. How can you prepare him/her?
Zipora Schuck, MA, MS
Find someone who has been there before who can share “the hidden curriculum” of this specific camp with them. For example: who’s who among the staff, what each of the buildings are called and used for, a visual map, a sample day, and any specific expectations — in clothing, accessories, sports equipment, canteen money needed, etc.
Find someone who’s attending the same camp and can be a big brother/big sister to your child, checking in with them every now and then.
Have a code word that they can use on a phone call to you if something or someone is really bothering them, and they feel they can’t talk while on line with many other campers. Once you hear that code word, you’ll call the office and schedule a time to speak with your child privately.
Prepare them early on with any relevant information that may be needed — personal safety, development and hygiene, general social skills to live with other people 24/7. Having delicate conversations the night before or even the week before isn’t early enough.
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