Summer is just around the corner and with the change in season parents can start to look forward to long days spent lounging at the pool or at the beach, while their kids run around aimlessly without a care in the world. After a long day of relaxing you head home,  throw something delicious on the grill, and eat off of paper plates so there is nothing to clean up.  You spend the rest of the evening enjoying a cool beverage while watching fireflies and listening to the crickets chirp as you watch the final moments of daylight slip away.  Then you wake up from that lovely dream and realize summer is just around the corner, you will need to work all summer, and you had better find something for the kids to do all day. It’s time to start looking for summer camps, and there is no shortage of camps out there; sport camps, dance camps, horseback riding camps.  Is that a brochure for kickball camp?  But the age old question when looking at camp is, when is my child ready for sleepover camp?

 

The experience of sleepover camp can be very rewarding; as children develop into adolescence the need to separate from parents is an integral part of development.  Sleepover camp provides children and preteens the opportunity to live on their own, develop relationships on their own, and experience a rare sense of true freedom.  Sleepover camp is an exercise in self-reliance and social learning.  Campers live in groups usually with people they have just met.  They learn about group decision making, working together and getting along with others.  Most children find sleepover camp to be one of the most memorable and best experiences of their childhood.

 

Here are a few simple signs that can tell you if your child is ready for sleepover camp:

Your child has expressed interest in going away to camp. 

Many times a child will hear from a sibling or  peer at school about their experience at sleepover camp and will inquire as to whether this would be an option for him or her. Typically, if a child is showing this kind of interest they are ready to go, however it is always a good idea to explain to your child what the experience will entail. You want to make sure you explain the experience in a positive way but don’t assume that your child completely understands the camp experience from what they heard from a peer or sibling.

 

Your child is able to spend long periods away from you without getting upset.   

If your child has spent nights away from you at a friend’s home or with relatives, this may be a good sign that your child is ready for sleepover camp.  Children who are relatively self-reliant, confident, and comfortable in new surroundings will usually be happy at camp.

 

Your child gets along well with peers.  

It is safe to assume that your child’s behaviors at home will likely follow them to camp. If they have difficulty getting along with others or listening to authority figures it is probable these types of behaviors will occur at camp as well.  Being able to get along with others is central to a rewarding experience at camp.  Children will be living together in close proximity If your child has issues with getting along with others outside of camp, it is possible these behaviors could be exacerbated at camp when there is little to no time away from other campers.

 

Your child is able to follow directions from leaders.   

Often time children believe that camp is free reign to do whatever they want.  It is important that they understand that listening to counselors and group leaders is necessary in order to be given the opportunity to be away from home.  This is not just for safety reasons, but to have the most rewarding experience while at camp.  If you are concerned about your child’s ability to follow directions and listen to authority (even when this is sometimes from someone who is only a few years old then he or she), you may want to reconsider this option, or discuss this with the camp director before you make a final decision.

 

You are ready as a parent to let your child go. 

Children can pick up the most subtle emotions of their parents, so if you are feeling that you are not ready to let your child go it may be wise for you  to explore this on your own first. Make sure that you are prepared to be away from your child and that you are comfortable with his or her care being the responsibility of others.  Nothing will turn a child off quicker to camp then the negative energy you as parents, will give off if you are not prepared to have your child away from you. Remind yourself that camps have been around for generations and that camp professionals have been helping children separate and become more independent for years. Camps may say they teach swimming or arts and crafts, but what they really teach is self-reliance and resilience; coping skills your  child will use for life.

 

Figuring out the right time for your child to attend sleepover camp can be tricky, but paying attention to the signs that everyone in the family is ready may help make this process easier.  Remember, even if your child is ready, there may still be some initial homesickness. Don’t assume that you have made a mistake; any initial trepidation will usually be assuaged as your child becomes entrenched in camp life. Camp is another opportunity that will help your child to continue to develop and grow as they mature into young adulthood.  

 

 

References:

5 Signs Your Child is Ready for Sleep Away Camp www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Getting Your Child Ready for Camp www.pbs.org

Is My Child Ready for Sleep Away Camp www.thecampconnection.com

Ready for Overnight Camp? www.metrokids.com

When is a Child Ready for Overnight Camp? www.washingtonpost.com