Is Your Child Ready for Sleep Away Camp?

Is Your Child Ready for Sleep Away Camp?  Can He Handle an Overnight Camp?

When is the right time to send your child to sleep away camp? Here are four signs your child may be ready for an overnight camp.

1. Your child expresses an interest in going to camp. This is an easy sign that lets you know that your child is ready. As he develops peer relationships in school and begins spending more time away from you with his friends, this may be the time when a child verbalizes his desire to go away.
2. Your child is able to spend longer periods away from you without becoming upset. At younger ages, we often see that kids express a desire to have sleepovers with friends, but once the child is at their friend’s home, some anxiety may develop and he may want to go home.  Wait until your child can have sleepovers without being upset or returning home.
3. Your child gets along well with peers. This may seem like a no-brainer, but if your child is displaying any type of behavioral problems at home or in school, most likely these will follow him to camp. It may not be a good idea to have him go away, as camp could exacerbate the issues. Kids need to be able to get along with others; this is a major part of their growth at camp.
4. Your child is able to follow directions from leaders. There are so many wonderful things that your child will learn at camp. Being able to follow directions, respect counselors and group leaders is a necessary skill in order to be away from home. Often times, kids who are away from their parents may think they have free reign to do and say whatever they please, so it is important to discuss this aspect with your child and make sure he is capable of handling it while he’s are away from your watchful eye.

Figuring out the right time for your child to attend sleep away camp may be tricky, but paying attention to signs of readiness can make this process easier. Your child may still feel homesick in a new environment. This is normal and should pass as he becomes accustomed to camp life, which is a rewarding and growth producing experience.

Jennifer Kelman has a BA in Sociology, a Masters in Social Work and has worked with children in a variety of psychiatric and medical settings. She is the author of the children’s book “Mrs. Pinkelmeyer.”

Family Camping in San Diego

If you like the idea of camping as a family, check out the family camping Websites below. You may be surprised to know that there are lots of great family camping grounds right here in San Diego County! Whatever you choose to do, be sure to help your kids experience the great outdoors this summer - even if it means just pitching a tent in your own backyard!

San Diego Parks & Recreation Campsites

Agua Caliente  & Vallecito (Anza-Borrego Desert)
Dos Picos (Ramona)
Guajome (Oceanside)
Heise (Julian)
Lake Jennings (Lakeside)
Sweetwater Summit (Bonita)
Phone reservations 858-565-3600

Hint: San Diego County residents are eligible for a County Resident Camping Discount Card. Ask about it!

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Online reservations Santee Lakes Campsites

Campland On the Bay   Campland
Phone reservations 1-800-4-bay-fun

San Diego Metro KOA Chula Vista KOA San Diego
Phone reservations 1-800-562-9877

Lake Poway Campgrounds  Lake Poway Campsites
Phone reservations 858-668-4580

Palomar Mountain State Park  Palomar Mountain Campsites
Phone reservations 1-800-444-7275

If you head to Palomar Mountain, plan to visit the Palomar Observatory.  Click Visiting Palomar Observatory for more information.

Thinking about sending your child to camp this summer? Pick up the April issue of San Diego Family Magazine - it's one of our most anticipated issues of the year! You'll find detailed information on a ton of day and resident camps, as well as relevant articles that may help you in the decision-making process.