As summer vacation gets closer, parents of more than 10 million children nationwide make the decision to send their children to summer camp. Most parents have magical camp memories of their own and long to recreate these special times for their children. It’s true, camp does offer a wide array of fun and life lessons that every child should experience. But what exactly is so magical about summer camp?

Psychologist Michael Thompson, coauthor of Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys, has given the matter some thought and research. “First, it is absolutely magical for kids to be away from their parents,” he said. “The sweetest, most satisfying moments of childhood are almost always when you are away from your parents. Children are suddenly free to face challenges and accomplishments that are theirs alone — experiences that don’t have to be run through the parental cognitive-ruminative-metabolic-judicial machinery.”

Second, he points out, the relationship between campers and counselors is quite special. “The younger kids love and admire the counselors, and that respect brings out the best in young adults. They are at their most responsible, compassionate, and loving when they are put in charge of younger children, and the younger children knock themselves out trying to impress these young demi-gods.”

Finally, he suggests that successful camps “create a private world with its own rules and rituals and magic. Suburban life and school don’t provide children with much of an arena for adventure or their imaginations. Camps have the ability to create that world that belongs only to a child and his or her friends.”

Choosing a Camp

While some families have already decided on a camp, others are still exploring their options. In central Arkansas alone there is truly a camp for every child, every interest, and every budget. The American Camp Association® (ACA) recommends that parents ask the following questions to get a better feel for which camp experience best suits their child:

What is the camp’s philosophy and program emphasis? – Each camp has its own method of constructing programs based on its philosophy. Does it complement your family’s parenting philosophy?

What is the camp director’s background? – ACA recommends directors possess a bachelor’s degree, have completed in-service training within the past three years, and have at least 16 weeks of camp administrative experience before assuming the responsibilities of director.

What training do counselors receive? – At a minimum, camp staff should be trained in safety regulations, emergency procedures and communication, behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate staff and camper behavior, and specific procedures for supervision.

How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled? – This is where the director’s philosophy comes through loud and clear. Do they use positive reinforcement? What are the rules and consequences?

How does the camp handle special needs? – For a child with special requirements, parents should ask the camp director about needed provisions and facilities. Is there a nurse on staff? A designated place to store insulin or allergy medicine? Are special foods available for campers with restricted diets?

What about references? – Parents shouldn’t be afraid to ask for references. This is generally one of the best ways to check a camp’s reputation and service record.

Prep & Packing

The camp’s been chosen and the registration fee paid. Now the truly hard work begins. There is a lot more to consider than just shorts and T-shirts when packing for camp. Here are some tips:

• Pack Light — Remember campers will be living out of a duffel bag, trunk, or suitcase for the duration. Packing light helps them keep track of items and guarantees that they can handle their own luggage at camp.

• Check Camp Packing Lists — Individual camps should provide a recommended camp packing list, complete with any required equipment, preferred footwear, etc. Be sure to carefully review what is needed, paying special attention to those items that may not be permitted at camp.

• Label, Label, Label — Laundry pens, iron-on labels, and press and stick labels will distinguish a camper’s belongings from those of other cabin or tent mates. Most camps ask that each item be labeled, including clothing, personal items and toiletries.

• Wear Those Shoes! — Make sure that all footwear sent to camp is comfortable and appropriate. Sending a camper in brand-new hiking boots can result in sore feet and time spent sitting out of exciting activities.

Dos and Don’ts

It is common for campers (and parents!) to feel a tinge of homesickness at some point during the camp session. So, how can parents help? Here are some Dos and Don’ts:

DO encourage independence throughout the year. Practice separations, such as sleepovers at a friend’s house, can simulate the camp environment.

DO involve your child in the process of choosing a camp. The more that the child owns the decision, the more comfortable the child will feel being at camp.

DO understand the camp’s philosophy on how issues, like homesickness, are addressed. Talk candidly with the camp director to understand his/her perspective on your child’s adjustment.

DO discuss what camp will be like before your child leaves. Consider role-playing anticipated situations, such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom.

DO reach an agreement ahead of time on calling each other. If your child’s camp has a no-phone-calls policy, honor it.

DO send a note or care package ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp. Acknowledge, in a positive way, that you will miss your child. For example, you can say “I am going to miss you, but I know that you will have a good time at camp.”

DO pack a personal item from home, such as a stuffed animal.

DON’T bribe. Linking a successful stay at camp to a material object sends the wrong message. The reward should be your child’s new found confidence and independence.

DON’T plan an exit strategy. If a “rescue call” comes from the child, offer calm reassurance and put the time frame into perspective.

DON’T feel guilty about encouraging your child to stay at camp. For many children, camp is a first step toward independence and plays an important role in their growth and development.

DO trust your instincts. While most incidents of homesickness will pass in a day or two, approximately 7 percent of the cases are severe. If your child is not eating or sleeping because of anxiety or depression, parents should work with the camp director and other camp staff to evaluate the situation.

DO remember that camp staff are trained to ease homesickness.

DON’T make your child feel like a failure if their stay at camp is cut short. Focus on the positive and encourage your child to try camp again next year.

Beating the “End of Camp” Blues

Camp is an action-packed adventure. Each day brings new and exciting opportunities for growth and accomplishment. For many children, it truly is a life-changing experience. As a result, when the embers of the last campfire have cooled and campers make their way home, many will be tired, moody, quieter than usual, or even irritable or grumpy. The ACA refers to this common ailment as the “end of camp blues.” Here are some tips to help campers adjust to life back home:

1. Help them relax and adjust to the slower pace of non-camp life. Suggest they take a warm shower and get plenty of rest. Plan to have an “old favorite” for dinner.

2. Encourage reconnecting with friends from home. Volunteer to set up play dates and get-togethers to help re-establish a sense of belonging with friends they didn’t get to see at camp.

3. Encourage communication with camp friends. Many camps encourage campers to exchange e-mail addresses and phone numbers with one another. Parents should encourage post-camp communication, but should also make sure to oversee their child’s online activities.

4. Be open and available to talk about camp. Allow children to reflect on their friends, their favorite moment at camp, and what they miss most about camp.

5. Organize a small “reunion.” Getting together with local camp friends can help reassure your child that though his or her friends are out of sight, they are not out of mind!

If children get the blues, remember that they miss camp because they had fun — and they enjoyed taking healthy risks in a safe and nurturing environment. By being supportive and understanding, families can ease the sadness and help campers adjust to life at home. And, families can help campers remember that next summer is not that far away. 

For more information about a summer camp experience or to find a camp for your child, visit CampParents.org. This online resource for families includes expert advice, information on health and safety, and a searchable database of more than 2,400 ACA-accredited camps.

(This article was adapted by the Little Rock Family staff with permission from the American Camp Association®.)