Sending your child to their first sleepaway summer camp is an exciting milestone, but it can also come with a mix of emotions for both parents and kids. Preparing ahead of time can help ease worries and ensure your child has an incredible experience at camp. These 9 tips will help make their transition into camp life smooth and enjoyable.
1. Talk About What to Expect
Many first-time campers (and parents!) feel anxious about the unknown. Ease these concerns by having open conversations about what a typical day at sleepaway camp looks like. Highlight the fun activities they will enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and campfire nights. You can even browse photos and videos from Shaffer’s High Sierra Camp to help them visualize the experience.
2. Plan a Practice Sleepover
If your child has never spent a night away from home, practice by arranging sleepovers with friends or relatives. Try starting with one night away and see how they do. If it goes well, you can consider increasing their time away from home for the next trip. This incremental strategy will help them get used to being away from family while building confidence in their independence—an essential skill they’ll develop at SHSC. Throughout this process, do your best to gauge your child’s readiness by following these steps from the American Camp Association.
3. Address Feelings Before They Happen
It’s normal for first-time campers to experience the feeling of missing home, but preparation can help. Let your child know it’s okay to miss home while also reminding them of the fun ahead. Send them with a few comforting items, like a favorite stuffed animal or family photo. Avoid making promises to pick them up early—encourage them to embrace the full camp experience! And if you as a parent need encouragement (don’t we all sometimes?), you might check out Homesick and Happy by Michael Thompson, PhD. He writes about the magic of summer camp and how important it is for children to be away from home, if only for a little while.
4. Encourage Social Confidence
One of the best parts of a sleepaway summer camp is making new friends. Remind your child that many campers are in the same situation and attend camp for the first time without a friend or sibling. Tell them how proud you are of them and their willingness to meet new people and try new activities while they’re at sleepaway camp!
5. Familiarize Yourself With Camp Policies
Each camp has different rules regarding communication, visitor policies, and daily schedules. At Shaffer’s High Sierra Camp, campers fully unplug from technology, allowing them a much-needed break from their devices while forming connections with other campers, staff, and the beautiful natural environment where they’ll be living. Understanding the camp’s structure ahead of time can help both parents and children feel more at ease.
6. Boost Their Independence
Encourage your child to take on small responsibilities before camp, such as packing their own bag, picking out clothes for the next day, or making simple meals. This helps them develop self-reliance, making their sleepaway camp experience even more rewarding.
7. Stay Positive and Confident
Kids often mirror their parents’ emotions. If you’re overly worried, your child might pick up on that anxiety. Instead, express excitement and confidence in their ability to handle camp life. A reassuring attitude from you will help them feel more secure about the adventure ahead.
8. Keep Goodbyes Short and Sweet
The drop-off moment can be tough for some kids. However, long, emotional goodbyes can make it harder for your child to transition. Keep it positive and brief—give them a big hug, remind them of the fun ahead, and let them know you can’t wait to hear all about their adventure when they return.
9. Follow Up After Camp
Once camp is over, take time to talk with your child about their experience. What were their favorite activities? Did they make new friends? Reflecting on their time at camp will help reinforce the positive memories and will likely spark excitement for next summer!
Ready for an Unforgettable Summer?
Preparing for your child’s first sleepaway camp can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it will be an enriching and transformative experience. At Shaffer’s High Sierra Camp, campers develop independence, build lasting friendships, grow their confidence, and enjoy unforgettable outdoor adventures.