PLANNING IS EVERYTHING
• For residential camp, pack together. Double-check the
camp’s packing list and be sure you’ve labeled everything.
• If you want to hear from your child during the summer,
create a letter-writing kit: grab a large zipped freezer bag
and pack it with paper, pens and a stack of pre-stamped,
pre-addressed envelopes and postcards.
• Always express confidence. “You’ll do great at camp” is
something every parent should say to their children,
whether they’re headed to day or residential camp.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Camp planning should be a family activity. Involve your
son or daughter in the choice by getting them involved
in the camp-decision process:
• Ask if they are interested in going to camp.
• Ask what type of camp they would like to go to.
• Ask them what they would like to get out of camp.
• Have them make a list of activities they want to do or learn
while at camp.
• Share camp research/information (i.e., brochures, web
sites, promotional DVDs). THE RIGHT TIME
• Ask them to do their own “camp homework.” When determining your child’s readiness for camp, it is
• Have them speak to friends who have gone to camp. important to ask the following questions:
• Take them to camp fairs. • What is your child’s age? Children under age 7 may be
• Make a list, together, of all the questions you want better suited for a day camp experience, rather than an
answered by a prospective camp director. overnight one.
• Take them on tours of prospective camps. • Is your child interested in camp, and if so, how did he or
• Talk positively about a camp experience. she become interested?
• If you are considering residential camp for your child, has
he or she had positive overnight experiences away from
home (e.g., sleeping over at relatives or friends)?
• What does your child expect to do at camp?
• As a parent or guardian, what is your experience with
camp? Can you share consistent and positive messages
about camp?
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE CHOOSING
A SUMMER CAMP
1. What is the camp’s staff-to-camper ratio?
This ratio indicates the overall level of supervision that the
camp can provide your camper. It is a good idea to also
inquire about the number of campers under one
counsellor’s care, as this may be a different ratio.
www.canadacampsforparents.com Canada Camps for Parents January 2010 Edition 21
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