15 Tips to Get Your Kids Pumped for Sleepaway Camp

Are you ready to send your child off to an unforgettable sleepaway camp? If it’s your child’s first time, you might want to do some prep work to get them pumped for the away-from-home experience! These tips will help you get your child feeling enthusiastic about camp and put your mind at ease, knowing that they are fully equipped for this incredible adventure. Watch as they make lifelong friends, explore the great outdoors, and embrace their newfound independence!

Create Excitement with Camp Countdown

Start a countdown to camp with your child to build anticipation and excitement. Create a visual calendar together, marking off each day leading up to departure. Use this time to discuss the activities they’re most looking forward to and any last-minute preparations they’d like to make.

Create a Camp Bucket List

This exercise not only builds anticipation but also empowers your child to take ownership of their camp experience. Sit down with your child and brainstorm a list of activities or experiences they hope to have during their time at camp. Whether it’s learning a new skill, conquering a challenge course, or simply making s’mores around a campfire, compiling a camp bucket list can fuel excitement and anticipation.

Encourage Outdoor Exploration

Prior to camp, encourage your child to spend more time outdoors and engage in nature-based activities. Plan family hikes, picnics in the park, or camping trips to familiarize them with outdoor environments and build confidence in their ability to enjoy nature. This way, they can foster a love for the outdoors and provide opportunities for exploration.

Establish Healthy Sleep Habit

Help your child establish healthy sleep habits in the weeks leading up to camp to ensure they’re well-rested and ready to fully engage in camp activities. Set a consistent bedtime routine that includes winding down activities such as reading or listening to calming music. Emphasize the importance of getting enough restorative sleep each night for optimal physical and mental well-being.

Practice Independence Skills

Help your kids build confidence in their independence by practicing skills they’ll need at camp, such as making their bed, managing their belongings, and following a daily routine. Encourage them to take on responsibilities around the house that mirror camp life. They’ll feel more self-assured and capable of navigating the challenges of being away from home.

Attend Camp Orientation or Open House

Many sleepaway camps offer orientation sessions or open houses where families can visit the campgrounds, meet the staff, and get a feel for the environment. Take advantage of these opportunities to familiarize your kids with the camp facilities, cabins, and dining hall.

Read Camp-Related Books or Stories

Introduce your child to books or stories that revolve around the theme of summer camp. Choose age-appropriate literature that highlights the adventures, friendships, and life lessons often associated with the camp experience. Reading these stories together can help your child visualize what to expect at camp and spark discussions about their own hopes and expectations.

Share Positive Camp Stories

Share your own positive camp experiences or anecdotes from friends and family who have attended sleepaway camps. Hearing about fun activities, new friendships, and memorable moments can help alleviate any anxiety and build excitement about the upcoming adventure. Highlighting the positive aspects of camp life reinforces the idea that it’s a place for growth, fun, and new experiences.

Visit Camp Websites and Videos

Explore the camp’s website together and watch promotional videos or virtual tours to get a glimpse of what camp life will be like. Point out key features like the swimming pool, climbing wall, or arts and crafts studio, and discuss the activities your kids are most excited to try. Encourage your kids to ask questions and express any concerns they may have so you can address them together.

Create a Camp Care Package Together

Get creative with your child by putting together a care package to send to camp. Brainstorm ideas for items they’d like to include, such as favorite snacks, small board games or toys, and encouraging notes or drawings from family members. Take them shopping to pick out special treats or trinkets that they can share with cabin mates or enjoy during quiet moments at camp.

Set Realistic Expectations

Have open and honest conversations with your kids about what to expect at sleepaway camp, including both the exciting moments and the challenges they may encounter. Discuss topics like homesickness, trying new activities, and making friends, emphasizing that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions when stepping outside of their comfort zone. Encourage them to approach camp with an open mind and a positive attitude, reassuring them that the camp staff are there to support them every step of the way.

Discuss Camp Traditions

Learn about any traditions or rituals unique to the camp your child will be attending and discuss them together. Whether it’s a special campfire song, a themed dress-up day, or a tradition of sharing stories before bedtime, understanding these customs can make your child feel like they’re part of something special.

Plan a Special Send-Off

Plan a special send-off for your child on the day they leave for camp to make it a memorable and positive experience. Surprise them with vibrant pancakes for breakfast or a heartfelt send-off ceremony at home, and create a meaningful ritual to mark the beginning of their camp adventure. Take photos, give hugs, and express your love and excitement for the experiences that await them.

Plan Post-Camp Celebrations

Shift the focus beyond the end of camp by planning post-camp celebrations or reunions with your child. Discuss ideas for how they’d like to celebrate their return home, whether it’s a family barbecue, a day trip to their favorite amusement park, or a special outing with friends. Having something to look forward to after camp can help your child maintain a positive mindset and view their time away as part of a larger summer adventure.

Express Confidence and Support

Above all, express confidence in your kids’ ability to thrive at sleepaway camp and reassure them of your unwavering support. Let them know that you believe in their resilience, adaptability, and capacity for growth, and remind them that you’ll be cheering them on every step of the way. Emphasize that sleepaway camp is an opportunity for them to learn, explore, and create lasting memories, and reassure them that you’ll be eagerly awaiting their return with open arms.