Is Your Child “Camp Ready”?

 

By John Andrich, LCSW

 

Just as Cub fans continue to repeat the annual refrain “There’s always next year…”, parents city-wide annually repeat “During the idle months of summer break, what camp or specialized activities will appeal to my teen, tween, or ten year old?” Key questions plague parents trying to pre-plan their child’s summer months long before boredom sets in and June jolts them into reality. Very soon the structure of academic rigors subsides and summertime routines of hanging out with friends or “loafing” around the house necessitate a parent’s swift action. The response is often the four letter word…CAMP.

 

The starting point in the transition from school to camp begins with a conversation to determine your child’s desire, readiness, and ability to be separated from home for a week or two, or perhaps head off to a day camp experience. Asking questions and engaging in conversation will result in what is best for both parent and camper. Try the following ideas to get the process started:

 

1) Ask yourself child envisions a week away from home, and consider special interests and preferences. Involve your child in the search process.

 

2) Discuss the fact that being away from home involves a lot of independence and responsibility, and talk through any insecurities or questions. Ask your child whether they would like to attend a sleep-away camp or day camp.

 

3) Camp should reflect your values and beliefs, promote community, encourage cooperative learning, and remain engaging from start to finish.

 

Parents can be instrumental in camp selection while allowing their child ownership in the selection process. It is key that your child has options to choose from. It gives them even more responsibility when they make the choice and camp isn’t a forced issue. One of the benefits of camp is the opportunity to make long-lasting friendships, forged in fun and solidified around a campfire, mess hall, or bunk house.

 

 

 

 

On their own for what is perhaps the first time, campers are away from parental supervision and are making decisions about what to wear, what to eat, and how to spend free time. Camp engenders a meeting of diverse cultures, fosters camaraderie, self reliance, and builds social skills. Perhaps more importantly, camp provides memories that last a lifetime.

 

Following are links to day camp information in the surrounding area: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/programs/day-camp/ and  www.chicagoparent.com/topic/camps‎.