SUMMER CAMP By Sara Kendall
Sleep Away Camp Survival Guide
crash course for the upcoming adventure. Bunk beds are common in cabins, with the top bunks being a
highly sought after prize. Some camps assign bunks prior to arrival, so double check with yours. If the bunks are not assigned, arriving early, ahead of the crowd will raise the odds of claiming one of the premium sleeping spots.
The Pack Up Get your child involved. He needs to know every- thing that is going with him. It is best to adhere to the packing list provided by the camp. Only pack comfortable play clothes. Leave the fashion statements at home. All clothing and personal items should be labeled with your child’s name. It will help reduce your son’s chances of having a misunderstanding with a friend, and it will increase the possibility of a missing item being returned to him. Electronic items such as cellphones, music and gaming devices
are a big no-no at most camps. Some camp policies will require them to be taken away until the end of camp. Another double check here can save your kid some unwanted hassle.
Must Haves Bug spray is necessary to keep pesky bugs from bit- ing. In case she doesn’t spray herself good enough or she forgets, pack some anti-itch cream to soothe her irritated skin. Sunscreen is essential in avoiding painful sunburned skin and headwear can provide some much needed shade from the sun. Rain gear and rubber boots will come in handy on rainy days, and a laundry bag is great place to stow dirty clothes.
tunity for kids to meet new friends, learn new skills and exert some independence. Use these guidelines to set your kid up for success for their summer camp adventure and increase their chances of having an all-out blast!
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Get Acquainted It is important for you and your child to be famil- iar with the camp facilities. Have your daughter look through the website and brochures. A careful review of the camp’s layout, daily schedule and enriching activities will raise her comfort level. Learn where your child will be going to the bathroom at night.
It is important for her to know if she will have to walk outside to use the bathroom. In this situation, having a flashlight is a must. Practice walking outside at night with a flashlight, so she can gain a better understanding of the limited view and the sounds of the night.
Sleeping Arrangements In a tent or cabin, your kid will be sleep- ing with others. A sleepover veteran will have plenty of experience and understanding of sleeping with same aged girls. If your child has never experienced a sleepover, having a couple will give her a
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our kid’s first time at a sleep away camp is a wonderful rite of passage and a big step for you as a parent. It is a great oppor-
Fun Extras A writing journal and camera are perfect items to record and remember their adventure. Stationery and stamps will give them a way to share their camp experiences with parents, grandparents and friends. Having a book to read is a good rest time activity. A little hand held fan can ease the heat in a unairconditioned tent or cabin.
Proper Hygiene Speak with your child about a few hygiene tips to avoid unpleasant discomforts from invading his good time. It’s important to wear flip-flops in a shower to avoid contact from the bacteria that can be found in public showers. Wearing flip-flops in a shower is good, but wearing swimwear is not. It’s okay to bring your bathing suit in the shower to give it a rinse. To get yourself clean, you need to shower sans clothing.
A Supportive Send-off As the first day of camp gets closer, the ex- citement will certainly build, but so can some apprehension. If you see uncertainty clouding your child’s confidence, take some time to have a spirit boosting chat. Be positive, talk about her strengths, let her know the counselors will be there for her and you believe she is ready to have this wonderful experience. If appropriate, share with her your own first sleep away story. Send the message that you are excited for her and want her to have fun.
SARA KENDALL is a freelance writer who contributes to a variety of parenting publications and mother of two daughters.
NEAPOLITANfamily • May 2012
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