Sending your child off to sleepaway camp for the first time is a major milestone – for them and for you. It’s exciting, emotional, and a little bit overwhelming. But with the right preparation, you can help your soon-to-be camper feel confident, capable, and ready for the adventure ahead.
Think of it like training for a big race – no one shows up at the starting line without a few practice runs. Here’s how you can help your child prepare for their best summer yet:
1. Talk About Camp – Often and Positively
Start early and keep the conversation light and encouraging. Focus on the fun they’ll have, the new friends they’ll make, and the independence they’ll gain. It’s also important to normalize feeling a little nervous – it just means they’re stepping out of their comfort zone.
Try saying:
“Remember when you tried soccer for the first time? You didn’t know the rules, but you figured it out and had fun. Camp will be like that too.”
2. Practice Being Apart
If your child hasn’t spent much time away from home, now’s the time to ease them into it. Try sleepovers with grandparents or friends, longer playdates, or extended time away during the day. These experiences help build confidence and ease the transition to being away for a longer stretch.
Think of it as warm-up laps before race day – each little moment of independence helps.
3. Build Everyday Skills
Campers don’t need to be fully self-sufficient – counselors are there to help – but it’s empowering for kids to know they can take care of themselves in small ways.
Encourage them to practice making their bed, brushing their teeth and showering on their own, choosing outfits that suit the weather, and speaking up when they need help. Packing their own camp bag (with your guidance) is a great confidence booster and helps them feel prepared.
4. Set a Calm, Confident Tone
Kids take emotional cues from their parents. If you’re calm, positive, and reassuring, they’re more likely to feel the same. Avoid focusing on how much you’ll miss them – focus instead on how proud you are of their bravery and spirit of adventure.
If they ask: “What if I miss you?”
You can say: “That just means you love us – and we love you! And we know you’re going to have so much fun, even if you miss us a little.”
5. Create a Communication Plan
Knowing how and when they’ll hear from home can help ease anxiety. Whether your camp allows letters, emails, or care packages, talk through what communication will look like. Practice writing letters or postcards at home so they feel familiar with the process.
There’s nothing like receiving a note from home at camp – or sending one and knowing it’ll be read with love.
6. Celebrate This New Chapter
This is a big moment, and it deserves to be marked. Whether you make a countdown calendar, plan a special send-off meal, or start a new pre-camp tradition, taking time to celebrate helps your camper recognize just how special this experience will be.
Remind them: they are brave, they are ready, and this is just the beginning of something amazing.
You’re Not in This Alone
At Summer 365, we do more than help you find the perfect camp – we support you through every step of the journey. From the first conversation to opening day, we’re here with expert guidance, real-talk reassurance, and helpful tools to make the transition smoother for both you and your camper.
Because every great adventure starts with preparation – and you’ve got a great team by your side.
About The Contributor:
Leila Saeed joined us this Spring as a Senior Options Intern from Scarsdale High School. She spent five summers at Mohawk Day Camp and participated in Pre-College Programs at Brown University and Emory University. Her favorite part of those experiences was building connections with her fellow campers and classmates over shared interests and activities. This fall, she is so excited to be heading off to the University of Michigan to study Psychology. We can’t wait to hear all about it!