The paperwork is signed, the fees are paid, and there’s no turning back now. Panic, fear, and anxiety may start creeping in—your child is heading off to sleepaway camp!
Sending your child to camp can be a significant milestone, both for them and for you. The first summer is particularly impactful, as your child learns to be responsible and tackle challenges without a parent swooping in to save the day. When my daughter, Lily, went off to camp last year, I found it much tougher on myself than on her. I had dedicated years to being a stay-at-home mom, and watching my first child fly the nest felt like a mini “empty-nest syndrome.”
Departure Day (or D-Day) arrived with its own set of nerves. When Lily hesitated, saying, “I’m not sure I can get on the bus,” my internal voice screamed, “Stay home! Don’t leave me!” But I pulled it together, assuring her that many kids would feel the same, and once she arrived, she’d be fine. With a hint of fear, she waved goodbye and boarded the bus. I then did what any sensible mom would do: took my son to a 9 AM movie, bought him popcorn, and shed a few tears during Toy Story 4.
For the next two weeks, I found myself obsessively refreshing my computer, eager for photos and analyzing every image for clues about her happiness. I checked the mailbox daily, anxiously awaiting that first letter, and I admit, I cried when it finally arrived—and every one after that. This routine continued for a full seven weeks.
Ultimately, we all emerged from the experience transformed for the better. Lily had a fantastic time and grew in unexpected ways. My son, Max, missed her but relished his time as the sole focus of my attention. It turned out to be a great summer. If you’re gearing up for this experience, here are some tips to help ease the transition for everyone involved.
Before Camp Starts…
- Choosing the Right Camp: With a plethora of options—co-ed, single-gender, nearby or far away—deciding on a camp can feel overwhelming. A wise friend and camp owner reminded me, “At the end of the day, they’re just cabins in the woods.” Figure out your top priorities, tour a few camps, and trust your instincts. As long as the camp aligns with a few of your must-haves, you’re good to go!
- Connect with a Local Camper: Before camp kicks off, try to connect your child with another local kid attending the same camp. Having a familiar face can ease the transition. Plus, returning campers often share valuable insights that no guidebook can offer. Do this a few weeks ahead of time so you can sneak in some extra essentials into their duffle bag.
- Stick to the Essentials List: You’ll receive a list of needed items—stick to it! Use that slightly stained baseball shirt or the fleece that’s too tight for fall. You never know how items will return home. For the things you do care about, make sure to label them (we love namebubbles.com for this!). However, if there’s a hot trend among campers—like those popular hoodie sweatshirts—let your child indulge a bit. Don’t sweat the small stuff; which shower caddy you choose really doesn’t matter!
Once They’re There…
- Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: Relax about SPF, showers, and hair brushing. Camp staff will ensure most of these things happen. My son returned with a bit more sun than usual and a distinct smell, but a good power wash made everything right again.
- Weight Changes Are Normal: Kids are running around nonstop at camp. If they seem a bit skinnier, don’t panic. If you have concerns about their eating habits, talk to the camp director. Otherwise, don’t worry too much; they’ll bounce back to their usual selves once they’re home.
On Visiting Day…
- Ask Thoughtful Questions: Instead of bombarding your child with everything you want to know, try asking about feelings and experiences. Avoid the “are you okay?” question out of the gate. My first instinct was to ask, but when I simply said, “How’s it going?” my daughter responded with a smile and a thumbs-up. That was all I needed to know.
- Avoid Overindulging with Candy: Resist the urge to turn your car into a candy store. Check camp policies on treats. While it’s nice to bring a little something to share, like a Cookie Cake, don’t go overboard. A small gift for your child—a new baseball cap or jersey—can be a great pick-me-up.
- Skip the Cubbie Inspection: Just don’t do it. Camp cubbies and bathrooms are going to be messy—it’s a fact of life. Spare yourself the horror.
- Say Goodbye Quickly: When it’s time to leave, make it quick! Grab a bunkmate and counselor for a goodbye hug, then head out without lingering. Leaving can be harder for kids the longer it takes.
Back Home…
- Allow Time for Reentry: Some kids might struggle with readjusting after camp. My daughter came home as if she had never left! After a couple of days, I was already considering sending her back next summer. A month or so after camp, it’s a good idea to have that heart-to-heart you’ve been waiting for. Ask her if she wants to go back, and enjoy hearing about her adventures.
Sleepaway camp isn’t just a way for kids to gain independence; it’s an opportunity for parents to grow too. You’ll both survive this rite of passage!
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