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Media Tip from the American Camp Association
June 4, 2008

Five Ways for Parents to Prepare a First-Time Camper for the Experience

Sending a child away to camp for the first time is an important milestone for most families, one that often includes a great deal of excitement, planning, anticipation, and perhaps even some anxiety and fear of the unknown. Once children become immersed in camp and are able to have fun, meet new friends, and take positive risks in a nurturing environment, they often don’t miss home at all. It is not uncommon though for first-time campers to have a level of trepidation before leaving home. 

Prepare your child for the time of his or her life with the following tips from camp professionals and child development experts:

1. Decision-making is a two-way street. "While decisions about where to go have already been made, what to pack should be a joint family endeavor. The more that the child owns the decision, the more comfortable the child will feel being at camp."
    – Peter Surgenor, ACA President
   
   
2. Talk to your child before camp. "What does your child expect to do at camp? Learning about the camp experience ahead of time allows you to create positive expectations. Talking with your child about these kinds of issues is a great way to show support as your child gets ready to take this important step. Also, communicate confidence in your child’s ability to handle being away from home, and share with your child that camp, like the rest of life, has high and low points." 
   – Peg L. Smith, ACA CEO
   
   
3. Homesickness can be prevented.  "Tell your child that some feelings of homesickness are normal.  When children arrive at camp with a repertoire of coping strategies and some practice time away from home under their belts, they are ready for those normal feelings of homesickness." 
   – Ann Sheets, ACA Immediate Past President
   
   
4. Making new friends at camp.  "If your child is shy about meeting new kids, encourage them to get to know others by being a good listener. Also, remind them that not everyone in the cabin, bunk, or group has to be their friend, and they don't have to be everyone else's friend, as long as they treat one another with respect."
   – Bob Ditter, Family Therapist
   
   
5. Practice, practice, practice!  "Encourage your child's independence throughout the year with practice separations, such as sleepovers at a friend's or grandma's house. These experiences are great ways to simulate the camp environment."
   – Peg L. Smith, ACA CEO

Contact Public Relations at 765.349.3317 or pr@ACAcamps.org to interview an ACA spokesperson for more information on ways the camp experience enhances the lives of children, teens, and adults.

Also, for customizable public service announcements or article reprints, visit our Media Center.

About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

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