Are you and your kids getting ready for summer camp? We’ll be attending a new camp this summer so I’m getting the boys ready to transition. Here are a few things you can do to get your kids ready to get the most out of their program.
Check out the camp before the first day
Some camps offer an open house with tours and “meet the counselors” activities, but others aren’t able to fit this in to their schedule. If you can go to the Open House, put that on your list. If not, take a drive or walk through the campus a few weeks ahead of time, exploring the different areas that your kids will learn and play and hunting down the bathrooms. The counselors will also show these to the kids on the first day, but your child will feel much better already knowing it all–and you won’t have to worry about him being distracted an overwhelmed by the vast area and many things he’s learning the first day.
Find a friend
Facebook is amazing for a lot of reasons–the biggest is connecting with people. Post a status update announcing where your kids will be and asking who else will be there. Even if you’re friends kids won’t be there, some friends of friends may be. So schedule a playdate or two before camp starts with some future bunkmates to insure your kids see a familiar face on the first day.
Order labels
Our first year at camp, I ordered old-fashioned iron-on labels for my kids. Middle walked in and said “Whoa! What is THAT cool machine!?” Let’s face it, I don’t iron. So the last summer when I received Mabel’s Labels as a sample package, I was sold. I’m getting another camp package for this summer, as the kids, of course, outgrew last summer’s labeled clothes.
Whatever method you use, make sure you label clothing, water bottles, flashlights (if needed), sunblock, backpacks, and everything else on your summer camp necessities list. I keep extra labels in the kitchen… you just never know when you’ll need them!
Look at your calendar
Make sure you’ve updated your calendar with all of your camp meetings and appointments and the kids’ camp schedule. Summers are always busy and go quickly, so make sure everything is scheduled ahead of time. Also consider changing your regular, school year plans. If your child has karate or dance twice a week during the school year, check with your instructor to see if you can alter the schedule a bit if your son or daughter is too tired after camp to attend. Running around outside at camp all summer gives you a very tired child once he comes home.
Check the shopping list
Most camps will send you a shopping or necessity list for camp, which may include backpacks, specific shoes, extra socks, sunblock, water bottles and more. Check your list this week and have everything ready so that you won’t have to rush on the Sunday before camp starts.
Have a fun summer!
© 2012, Julie Meyers Pron. All rights reserved.
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