Is Your Child Ready for Sleep Away Camp? Can He Handle an Overnight Camp?
If you're wondering how to know when is the right time to send your child to overnight camp, here are four signs your child may be ready:
- 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.
- YOUR CHILD IS ABLE TO SPEND TIME AWAY FROM YOU WITHOUT BEING UPSET. At younger ages, kids often express a desire to have sleepovers with friends. Sometimes anxiety develops once the child is at their friend’s home, and he may want to go home. Defintiely wait until your child can have sleepovers without being upset or returning home before sending him to camp.
- 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, they will likely follow him to camp. It may not be a good idea to have him go to camp, as it could exacerbate issues. Kids need to be able to get along with others; this is a major part of the experience at camp.
- YOUR CHILD IS ABLE (and WILLING) TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS FROM OTHERS. There are so many wonderful things children learn at camp. Being able to follow directions and respect counselors and group leaders is a necessary skill in order to be away from home. Some kids who are away from parents may think they have free reign to do and say whatever they please, so it is important to discuss this with your child and make sure he is capable and willing to respect rules and follow directions while he’s away.
Figuring out the right time for your child to attend overnight camp may seem tricky, but paying attention to signs of readiness makes the 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.
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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.”
