University of Wisconsin - Extension

The excitement and anticipation of going to summer camp for the first time affects both children and their parents.

Parents who send their kids off to camp hope their child will have a happy time, meeting new friends, learning new skills, gaining self-confidence and learning about the outdoors. Kids look forward to the same things.

But sometimes, the anticipation is tinged with worry. Parents wonder if their child will suffer homesickness or get along with other campers. Kids worry about the same things. Greg Matysik, a 4-H youth development specialist with University of Wisconsin-Extension believes camp will be a positive experience for most kids.

"It's natural for parents to worry a little. And it's natural for kids to be a little apprehensive about a brand new experience, " Matysik said, adding that a little preparation will help both parents and kids make the experience a good one.

Matysik points out that it's normal for kids to get a little homesick, usually, homesickness passes as the child gets involved in activities and begins to make new friends.

"I think it's a good idea for parents to talk to their kids about their own camp experiences when they were young. Telling stories about the fun you had - and maybe how you were a little scared about what it would be like before you went to camp - can ease the qualms a child might have about going to camp."

Matysik said it might be a good idea to visit the camp in advance and encourage slightly older children to tell a first-time camper what camp is like. Parents can also ease their natural concerns about sending a child off to camp by making a point of meeting some of the staff - particularly their own child's camp counselor.

How can parents pick a good camp for their child?

First consider your child's interests. Some camps have a special focus or theme - sports, music or foreign languages, for example. Other camps offer traditional summer camp recreational activities.

Parents also need to consider the quality of the program and the safety of their children. They should consider the reputation of the group that runs the camp or seek out references from families who have sent children in previous years. Some camps are affiliated with the American Camping Association, which has comprehensive guidelines about staff-to-camper ratios and safety procedures. Other camps follow the ACA guidelines even if they are not members of the organization.

Here are some tips for getting your child ready to go to camp:

Follow the list. Most camps will send a list of things to bring and a list of things to leave at home.

"A big benefit of camp is leaving behind your ordinary life and becoming involved in something new at camp. So, many camps will suggest that kids not bring walkmans, cell phones or pagers, or even sports equipment, unless it's a specialized sports camp."

• Don't phone. Unless there's a real emergency, most camps discourage phone calls home.

  "Phone calls interrupt the camping experience, and if a child is a little homesick or just having a bad day, a phone call can make the situation worse," Matysik said.

• Do write. Mail call is an important event at camp, so send your child lots of letters and postcards. Keep the mail light and upbeat and remind your child you want her to have fun and that you're looking forward to seeing her when camp is over. Some parents send at least one letter even before camp starts, so it will be waiting for the child at the first mail call.

• Talk about what to expect. Kids do better at camp when they have an idea about what the experience will be like. Talk to your camper about what kind of fun they can look forward to and what challenges they may face. If you went to camp as a child, tell what your experiences were like.

• Pack a few personal "comfort" things. A favorite tee-shirt or blanket, a journal, photos of the family or a special book help make many kids feel more at home.

• Pack smart. Bring clothes that can be layered to fit a variety of weather conditions.