Lets Talk CAMP!
Let’s Start Getting Ready for Camp!
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Suzy is thrilled to have some special contibuting editors from Deer Mountain Day Camp. They will be speaking about all things CAMP over the next few months. So tune in and check it out - Let's get ready for Camp!
Spring has certainly sprung and school will soon be out for the summer! For many children and families in our area that means the countdown to the first day of camp has begun! For some, this might also be a time of anxiety as the predictability of school is ending and a new program is beginning. Regardless of your child’s situation, the key to a successful summer is adequately preparing your children for this unique and exciting experience.
For starters, it is important to acknowledge that separation anxiety is a common part of growing up. Camp is an excellent place to help with this issue as it simultaneously allows your child independence in safe, structured surroundings with caring adults while having a ton of fun! You have done your homework, you have asked the right questions and you are confident in your choice of camp. Impart that confidence to your child.
Now is a good time to start talking with your child about what camp will be like and who will be there. Encourage your child to share any concerns as well as aspects of camp they are most excited about experiencing. Camps often host a “kick off” event or day where you and your children can visit, meet the staff and get familiar with some of the faces they will see in the summer as well as the surroundings. They might even meet some campers too! As the summer gets closer, allow your child to assist in packing up their backpack, even throwing in a small token from home that might help ease the transition. This security object empowers your child and is a great touch stone just in case they get a little nervous while away from home. As a parent, you must set the tone. Communicate confidence in your child’s ability to handle being away from home and most importantly, remind your child camp is fun! This is especially true on those first few days of camp when your child might have a few remaining butterflies in their tummies when leaving home in the morning.
Acknowledging these feelings with your children and preparing them appropriately ahead of time allows them to focus on the positive experiences of camp. As a parent, hearing your child express anxiety about going to camp is not easy. However, take comfort in the fact that in sending your children to camp, you are providing them with a lifelong gift. Camp is a great way to have fun while developing social skills and independence. As the summers go by your children will be acquiring skills and assets that will serve them throughout their lives as well as wonderful memories that will last forever.
Roberta & Carol Katz
Owners & Directors
Deer Mountain Day Camp
Pomona, NY
845-354-2727
Check the Website out here!
Spring has certainly sprung and school will soon be out for the summer! For many children and families in our area that means the countdown to the first day of camp has begun! For some, this might also be a time of anxiety as the predictability of school is ending and a new program is beginning. Regardless of your child’s situation, the key to a successful summer is adequately preparing your children for this unique and exciting experience.
For starters, it is important to acknowledge that separation anxiety is a common part of growing up. Camp is an excellent place to help with this issue as it simultaneously allows your child independence in safe, structured surroundings with caring adults while having a ton of fun! You have done your homework, you have asked the right questions and you are confident in your choice of camp. Impart that confidence to your child.
Now is a good time to start talking with your child about what camp will be like and who will be there. Encourage your child to share any concerns as well as aspects of camp they are most excited about experiencing. Camps often host a “kick off” event or day where you and your children can visit, meet the staff and get familiar with some of the faces they will see in the summer as well as the surroundings. They might even meet some campers too! As the summer gets closer, allow your child to assist in packing up their backpack, even throwing in a small token from home that might help ease the transition. This security object empowers your child and is a great touch stone just in case they get a little nervous while away from home. As a parent, you must set the tone. Communicate confidence in your child’s ability to handle being away from home and most importantly, remind your child camp is fun! This is especially true on those first few days of camp when your child might have a few remaining butterflies in their tummies when leaving home in the morning.
Acknowledging these feelings with your children and preparing them appropriately ahead of time allows them to focus on the positive experiences of camp. As a parent, hearing your child express anxiety about going to camp is not easy. However, take comfort in the fact that in sending your children to camp, you are providing them with a lifelong gift. Camp is a great way to have fun while developing social skills and independence. As the summers go by your children will be acquiring skills and assets that will serve them throughout their lives as well as wonderful memories that will last forever.
Roberta & Carol Katz
Owners & Directors
Deer Mountain Day Camp
Pomona, NY
845-354-2727
Check the Website out here!
