Helping Children Cope with Leaving for Camp

1
(No Transcript)
2

• It is common for children to feel nervous,
  fearful, or homesick when leaving for camp for
  the first time. Similar to adults who approach
  new situations, children can feel apprehensive
  about the unknown since they dont know what to
  expect. Usually, with each passing day, children
  feel more comfortable with their new
  surroundings. There are techniques and approaches
  you can take to help children cope.

3

• Focus on the fun activities that lie ahead and
  get your child excited about their new adventure.
  Think of things that you can shop for together to
  prepare for the trip, and let your child pick out
  gear and new things to bring to camp. This
  enhances the positive feelings surrounding the
  trip and builds excitement.

4

• It is important to keep your child feeling
  confident about their upcoming experience. You
  dont want to instill any feelings of uncertainty
  with comments such as I hope youll have a nice
  time or I hope youll be okay, because then
  your child believes theres a chance things wont
  be okay. Children pick up on these comments and
  think something negative might happen, and it
  will make them miss home.

5

• Let your child know that while homesickness and
  nervousness is normal, they can write you
  letters, share their feelings with counselors and
  friends, and think about all the good things that
  camp offers to help ease their worry. Giving a
  child pre-stamped and pre-addressed envelopes
  further encourages this coping strategy. You can
  also remind them that you can work out a phone
  schedule for chats, if available.

6

• For children who arent used to being away from
  home at all, it can help to have a practice run.
  A two or three-day stay with relatives or a
  friend can help them prepare for what it is like
  to not have you around. They will gain exposure
  to the idea that activities away from home can be
  equally safe and fun. They will also get used to
  the idea that you will always be there to come
  and pick them up once its time to come home.

7

• If possible, take the opportunity to introduce
  your child to campers and counselors. If you are
  there with your child as they meet these new
  people, they will eventually feel more
  comfortable with you not around. This extra step
  will help make all the difference when your child
  is adjusting to the new environment.

8

• The experience will run much more smoothly when
  your child has all of the essentials to feel
  prepared for any situation. At the same time,
  its equally important to pack a little piece of
  home. Packing a picture, a favorite pillow or
  blanket, or even a special trinket can help calm
  their nerves and make the time away feel a little
  more comfortable.

9

• It is important that your child doesnt feel like
  they will be picked up and removed from camp at
  the first sign of discomfort. When a back-up is
  already in place, it can make a child think you
  arent confident in their ability to be alone and
  sets an expectation that they wont like it.
  Having a back-up plan can also encourage a child
  to run away from the situation rather than
  feeling they can overcome their negative feelings
  to ultimately have a great new experience.

10

• River Way Ranch Camp is a California summer camp
  for young campers and teens. Located in the
  foothills of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National
  Parks, a qualified staff of camp counselors and
  other professionals ensure your camper has a
  safe, educational, and special experience. Our
  roster of activities includes horseback riding,
  sports, paintball, and the use of digital
  technology.
• Website http//riverwayranchcamp.com/
• Phone [phone]

11
Sources

• http//www.campparents.org/new-thinking-needed-hel
  ping-kids-avoid-or-cope-homesickness

12
Summary

• Camp is a great experience for building
  independence and social skills that will be
  applied throughout life. Negative feelings are
  common for a child when they approach new and
  uncharted territory, but these feelings can be
  eased with a little planning. Taking the steps
  outlined will make a scary experience more
  enjoyable and your child will soon be counting
  down the days until the next time they get to go
  away to camp.