By Sandi Schwartz

One of the best things we can do for our children is to let them spread their wings and experience the world a bit without us by their side. Sleepaway camp is the perfect summer activity for children to help them become more independent, build confidence, challenge themselves, learn new skills, and meet new people. Time away from home can broaden their perspective and lead them to discover who they are and what they want to become.  

That first time heading off to sleepaway camp, however, can be intimidating and nerve-wracking for some children. They might feel homesick, experience separation anxiety, or struggle with meeting new friends or adapting to a new environment and schedule. Here are some tips to help you prepare your kids to make the transition from home to camp as smooth as possible.

Involve Them When Choosing a Camp — Get kids involved early on when camp hunting. Look at camp websites and brochures together. Bring them to camp tours. Involve them in conversations with camp staff, current campers, and parents of campers who you connect with. Some camps even offer a special weekend for kids to try out the camp before registering.

Encourage Independence at Home — Start building their independence by getting them more involved at home, such as picking out their own clothes, making their bed, organizing their room, cleaning up after a meal, and learning basic hygiene so they can do these activities on their own at camp. It is also helpful for them to have some sleepover trial runs so they can get used to sleeping in other places and build more independence.

Discuss What Camp Will be Like — In the months building up to the first day of camp, casually add camp to conversations. At bedtime, set the scene for how fun it will be to have a sleepover with several friends that lasts weeks. Review the activities and ask what they are excited to try. Look at the camp’s social media posts from previous summers to show your kids what to expect. If you attended sleepaway camp or had a similar experience like living in a college dorm, share your stories.

Attend Orientation — Even if your child has already seen the camp in-person, it’s critical that you attend the orientation as a family, recommends Jenny Grogan, one of the camp directors at a traditional sleepaway summer camp for campers ages 7–17 on a real working ranch.

“We do a new camper orientation before the summer starts and then post it on our website, so even if you can’t attend, you can still see what questions were asked and get a general overview,” Grogan shared.

When kids see what the camp is like in advance, it helps reduce anxiety about the first day. It’s also a way to meet some of the staff and other campers, possibly making friends before camp even starts. Don’t be shy about asking questions during orientation.

Have Them Share Concerns — Make sure the lines of communication are open for kids to express how they are feeling. Let them know it’s normal to miss home but that camp will also be full of fun and new adventures. Reinforce the idea that camp is a safe place where they can grow and learn new things.

Grogan suggests focusing on a goal or purpose for them while they are at camp. “Having a goal or a purpose in mind, like what are their hopes for going to camp, is helpful,” she said. “During those challenging moments, they are going to be able to think back to that goal.” 

She also emphasizes filling out the paperwork to inform staff of what might be an issue or concern for your child at camp.

Teach Coping Skills — In addition to talking about children’s worries, it’s helpful to provide them with tools to help when they are struggling. “Pack postcards in their suitcase so they can write you letters whenever they are missing you” suggested Grogan.

Other helpful coping skills include breathing exercises, meditating, taking a walk, reading, journaling, using self-talk, listening to music, and talking to a friend or counselor. Finally, be sure to identify a point person that your child can seek out when feeling uneasy, whether that be a counselor, camp director, or an older camper that you know from home.

Pack Together — The more your campers are involved, the more prepared they will feel. Plus, it will help them get excited to start camp. Bring them along to shop for camp supplies and let them pick out their favorite items to take for the summer. Don’t pack their bag; have them go through the packing checklist with you. Including favorite comfort items can also help ease their worries.

Walk Through Drop-off — As the first day of camp approaches, discuss exactly what will happen when you drop them off at the bus stop or at the camp. Some kids board a bus in their local area and travel to camp, so it’s important they know how that works. Don’t hesitate to call the camp for drop-off and first-day details so you can describe everything to your kids. When that day arrives, keep your goodbyes brief and avoid becoming too emotional (wear sunglasses to hide your tears if you have to). If they see that you are upset, they may feel guilty or scared about leaving.

By following these helpful tips, both you and your children are sure to have a less stressful experience as they embark on their first trip to sleepaway camp. 

Sandi Schwartz is an award-winning author, freelance journalist, and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. Learn about her efforts to educate families about feeling happier and calmer through nature at ecohappinessproject.com.