As a loving and caring parent, you want your child to experience all the great things you loved and cherished when you were young. You still harbor fond memories of your adventures at sleepaway camp, and now it is finally time for your own little camper to pitch a tent and enjoy some time in the wilderness.
What you might not remember now that you are older is that going away to camp can be an intimidating and even a frightening prospect. With the benefit of hindsight, your sleepaway camp adventure may seem like a lot of fun, and it surely was, but if you want your own child to share that view, you will want to prepare them well. Here are some tips for making your child’s first overnight adventure a fun and memorable one.
1. Choose the right camp
You will want to choose an overnight camp that is a good match for your child’s age and maturity level. Above all, it is important to choose a camp that is suited to their needs, so take your time and get it right.
2. Arrange overnight sleepovers at the homes of your child’s friends
Combining camp and the first night spent away from home can be an overwhelming thing for many youngsters, but you can ease their way into it by arranging overnight sleepovers at the homes of some trusted friends.
3. Practice camping out in the backyard
You may not be able to create a backyard wilderness, but you can simulate camping right outside your home. Pitching a tent and camping out in the backyard can be great practice for your little adventurer.
4. Take care of the practical stuff ahead of time
There are practical matters to consider in the days leading up to sleepaway camp, including scheduling a doctor visit to make sure your young camper is healthy and fit to take the trip, and that they have any immunizations that are recommended for the area. You will also want to get your child a haircut and check them carefully for lice – you do not want their first adventure to come to a premature (and itchy) end.
5. Give your child a pre-camp pep talk
Even if you have carefully prepared your child for their first real night away, they may still be feeling a bit frightened and overwhelmed. A parental pep talk can be a big help in those circumstances, so let your son or daughter know you believe in them and that you want them to have a great time and a wonderful adventure.
6. Share your own childhood camping memories
If you have childhood memories of your first time at a sleepaway camp, be sure to share them with your child. You can also share photographs from the olden days, and maybe even give your child a picture to take along for the ride.
7. Dress them for adventure
Sleepaway camp can be fun, but not having the right shoes or clothes will not be. If you want your child to focus on their adventure, make sure they are properly outfitted with sturdy shoes, comfortable socks, warm weather gear, and of course enough clean underwear to last throughout the week. Try any newly bought items on before they leave, so you can ensure they fit and they can get things like hiking boots worn in. Blisters at camp are no fun!
Summary
The first night of overnight camping can be a pivotal moment in the life of a young person, so much so that many parents still remember the event decades later. If you had a great time at sleepaway camp, sharing those memories with your son or daughter can be a lot of fun, but it will be nothing compared to the fun your own son or daughter will be having. Now that you have done the preparation and the leg work, it is time for your child to enjoy an adventure of their own, one they will remember and pass on to their own kids.