Sending Kids to Summer Camp

It’s that time again. The home stretch to the last day of school is rapidly approaching, the weather is getting warmer, and as parents, we begin to worry about the dreaded “I’m bored” summer drama. One way to avoid this and add some enriching life skills to your child’s life is by sending them to summer camp. Summer camp is like a vacation for kids, and the best part is that parents also get a short break from the stress and challenges of child-rearing. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and a week or two at summer camp may be just what you need to recharge your parental batteries and remind your children (gently, of course) how good they’ve got it at home. Perhaps the most convincing reason is that kids absolutely love it!

The Benefits of Summer Camp

Summer camp can be a life-altering experience for youngsters. They get to meet new people, learn how to make friends, and gain a level of independence that’s hard to acquire anywhere else. It’s not like a week at the beach with their best friend. It’s a week or two of living real life and being exactly who they want to be. They get to make the rules when it comes to their personality, free from predetermined opinions or labels. Spending time at summer camp teaches kids many valuable lessons. One of them is realizing that they can be just fine without the constant presence of their family. When a child learns that they can survive—and even thrive—without mom, dad, and siblings, they find a sense of security in the world.

Not to mention, summer camp has come a long way since you were a child. Today’s summer camps are like all-inclusive resorts, offering children first-hand opportunities to truly experience their interests. For every interest, big or small, there is a summer camp tailored just for your child. Recent offerings include summer veterinary camps, space camps (where they can pretend to be astronauts), science camps, book reading camps, equestrian camps, swimming camps, and even clown camps. These are just a few of the options available. One of the nicest features of these camps is that they provide children with focused, direct interaction with activities they find interesting. Who knows, summer camp might even be the thing that sparks your child’s passion for their future career. Anything and everything is made possible at summer camps. Your children should definitely be a part of the selection process so they have some ownership over where and how their time is spent. This will ensure they have the best experience possible.

A psychological study found that pre-teens who attended summer camps were more likely to steer clear of drugs and alcohol and had higher levels of self-esteem. Perhaps this is largely due to the fact that they are being raised by parents willing to let go a little and allow their children to find themselves. It can take a lot of courage to hand over your child and their belongings to people you don’t know and trust. Yes, there are risks—especially if your child is hiking in the great outdoors—but the benefits far outweigh them. The Better Business Bureau has created a brief questionnaire that all good parents should ask when inquiring about a summer camp. Additionally, they recommend choosing a camp certified by the American Camp Association. Before sending your kids to summer camp, be sure to find out the following:

• Cost, location, camp length options, and what is included for the price
• Age groups of camp participants. If the ages vary widely, find out how things are divided. An 8-year-old doesn’t need to be with 12-year-olds.
• Is it co-ed or gender-specific? Ensure that co-ed camps are properly divided by age and gender. Be specific when asking questions.
• Learn about the camp director’s background and education.
• How are the staff trained and selected? What is the counselor-to-child ratio?
• What recreational options are offered aside from the camp theme? How is food prepared and served? How many meals a day are provided?
• Are safety measures in place? What medical facilities are available on-site? Is there a doctor or nurse on staff? What is the nearest hospital?
• Request a detailed overview of the daily schedule. You don’t want your child to be watching TV for three hours a day. Check out this article for more insights.
• Is visitation allowed? What are the policies regarding phone calls and mail? Are cell phones permitted?
• How is homesickness handled? Kids are likely to get homesick, and while you don’t want to make a big deal of it, you need to ensure your child feels safe and supported. Can they come home if needed?

Beyond these basic questions, consider visiting the camp facility before dropping off your child. Many parents choose to visit the camp during its session the year before so they can get a realistic view of what really happens. Do your own research as well. Contact the local sheriff’s department in the area where the camp is located and request all emergency records pertaining to the camp. These records are public and can provide insight into whether there have been frequent issues or injuries at the camp. Remember, your child depends on you to make responsible decisions about their care, even when they’re away. Another tip: To give your child the best experience, avoid sending them with close friends or neighborhood pals. This will encourage them to branch out socially and connect with other campers.

Lastly, when sending kids to summer camp, try not to focus too much on your own camp experiences. You may have had your first kiss, met your first crush, sneaked out to skinny dip, or gotten into some unsupervised trouble. You turned out okay, and so will your child. Summer camp is like a playground for youth, where children of all ages are encouraged to bloom. Of course, blooming often involves some mischief and testing boundaries.

When the kids return, as hard as it may be, don’t pry. Allow them to have their own private world. In due time (perhaps when they’re 30), they’ll probably share some of their wild and wacky camp experiences with you and thank you for letting them go. Trusting your kids to go to summer camp says a lot about how you view them as individuals and the type of kids you’ve raised. When the family is reunited, enjoy the honeymoon period—those few days or weeks when everything seems right in the universe. Cherish it, because it won’t last long.