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What You Need to Know Before Sending Your Kids Off To Summer Camp!

4/27/2017

3 Comments

 
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What You Need to Know Before Sending Your Kids Off to Summer Camp
Summer camp is great for kids. Whether you went to summer camp yourself and experienced the fun firsthand or have simply seen the fun in movies and elsewhere, rest assured, summer camp is a great choice for your kids! Kids get the benefits of physical exercise, socialization and independence, while parents get a little time away from the kiddos! But, of course, like anything else, a good summer camp experience comes with proper preparation. Here’s what you should know about getting your kids ready for summer camp.


Decide Whether to Opt for a Local or Sleepover Camp

Camp can be a great experience for a child, but as a parent, it’s important to decide what kind of camp is ideal for your little one. There are pluses and minuses to both local and sleepover camps. A sleepover camp can be a great time to arm your children with self-found confidence and prepare them for future independence. Most children go to sleepover camp after age 8 or so, past the third grade. Before sending your child off to camp, be sure to “test the waters” with sleepovers at friends’ houses or at Grandma’s. Don’t forget that there are “in-between” options as well—you can send your child to a special two week sleepover camp and have them at a local camp the remainder of the summer. There are many options in today’s day and age, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
    
Get Organized
To make sure your child is a happy camper, make sure they are prepared. First, get organized and make a list of all the things you need—both things that need to be bought and packed and information you need from the camp (event schedule, contact information, a map of the camp, rule-book, etc...). Your camp should have guidelines on what to bring, but if you aren’t sure, ask! Better to be proactive and ask questions than regret not having something later. Make sure that you print a list of everything your child needs and that you write your child’s name on everything in permanent marker. It’s also a good idea to let your child bring a comfort item or some token of home with them. It doesn’t have to be big, but even something as small and simple as a teddy bear or note from dad or mom can go a long way!
    
As you’re preparing, don’t forget to come up with a mental packing list as well. What’s a mental packing list? A list of free, easy to pack attitudes and reminders that will serve your child well all summer long. You can customize your list at will, but some good things to include are: a positive attitude, an open mind, a sense of adventure, cooperation, and kindness. Talk to your child about what values are most important to bring to camp.
    
Get Your Child Vaccinated
Most summer camps nowadays have vaccination requirements. These vaccination requirements are put in place to help protect your children, as well as camp counselors and staff from potential illness. Camps will have different vaccination requirements based on your state, county or camp itself. It is recommended that you get your child’s summer vaccinations as soon as possible, before the pre-summer camp rush.

Contact the Capital Pediatric Group to book your appointment and beat the rush!



3 Comments
Dino Violante link
10/5/2018 09:24:27 pm

It got me when you said that in order for the child to be happy while at camp, we have to be prepared and pack everything that he will need while he is there. This was nice because I was suddenly reminded that my little boy panics if he does not have a toothbrush with him. He cannot go on without brushing his teeth first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. I will make sure to pack that one first.

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Adam Golightly link
11/20/2020 06:25:52 pm

My uncle has been thinking about sending his boys to a summer camp next year, so that they can have more fun. He would really like to get them to go to a camp run by a professional. I liked what you said about how they should be more proactive, and get everything that needs to be packed done faster.

Reply
Derek Swain link
2/18/2021 10:50:00 am

Thank you for explaining the importance of asking your camp what should be brought so that you can help ensure that your child has everything they need. My son is interested in attending a summer program so that he can increase his stamina with physical activities, but I want to make sure that he drinks plenty of water since he tends to get dehydrated quickly. Maybe I should find ways to prepare before my son attends a summer program.

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