Let the Summer Countdown Begin

Preparing parents and children for summer camp is about communication and clear expectations.

Posted by Jamie Sirkin, June 11, 2012 at 03:42 pm

Summer is in the air and students and teachers alike are counting down until summer vacation. I’m counting down until opening day of the camp season (incidentally, for me at Summer Trails that’s two weeks from today). I can hardly contain my excitement.

This time of year is filled with last minute preparation for camp. Here at camp we’re giving the fields a fresh mow, putting the finishing touches on upcoming pragmatic special events, and training staff for the season. If this is your first time at camp, below are some tips for your at home preparation for the camp season:

Preparation for the Parents-Ask Questions—no question is a silly question.

Take the time to read all the materials that your chosen summer camp program has sent you and be comfortable asking questions. How many towels will we need daily? Do you serve snack? What are the arrival and pick up procedures?

Prepare your child – Talk with them about what the camp program will be like and review a typical day. If your program allows pre-season tours take the opportunity to have a visit. Set time aside to pack their first day backpack together making it a family project.

Define success – We all want our children to have fun and safe summers but how to we measure that? Talk with your child about the things they are looking forward to most this summer. Help to create this summer’s goal and share that with the camp director so that they can partner in reaching it. Do you want to learn to swim? Improve your baseball swing? Try something new? Make a friend?